FRIEND AT COURT 2010 - USTA.com
FRIEND AT COURT 2010 - USTA.com
FRIEND AT COURT 2010 - USTA.com
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>FRIEND</strong> <strong>AT</strong> <strong>COURT</strong> <strong>2010</strong>
Q. What is a tennis official?<br />
A <strong>FRIEND</strong> <strong>AT</strong> <strong>COURT</strong><br />
A. A person who helps ensure that any given tennis match is<br />
conducted under the fairest possible conditions. So, ideally,<br />
the official is “a friend at court,” helpful to the players and the<br />
spectators.<br />
Q. Why should I be a tennis official?<br />
A. Because you: 1) love the game; 2) therefore have a keen interest<br />
in seeing that it is played under the best conditions; 3)<br />
enjoy having first-hand contact with it whereby you can make<br />
a useful contribution to the game, beyond what you may do<br />
or have done as a player.<br />
NOTE: If you are now, or have any idea you would like<br />
to be, a tennis official, and your first three reasons do<br />
not include at least two of the above—forget it!<br />
—Jack Stahr
<strong>FRIEND</strong> <strong>AT</strong> <strong>COURT</strong><br />
THE <strong>USTA</strong> HANDBOOK<br />
of TENNIS RULES and<br />
REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
<strong>2010</strong> EDITION
We wel<strong>com</strong>e your <strong>com</strong>ments and suggestions and especially solicit your<br />
help in identifying errors in the index. Please feel free to write us c/o <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Officials Department, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY<br />
10604-3602.<br />
Senior Editors: Steve Gerdes and Rich Kaufman.<br />
Editors: Bill Barber, Jim Cummings, Bobbie Farley, Staciellen Stevenson<br />
Mischel, Lois Huggins, Mac MacDougal, Andrea Norman, Eric Perkins,<br />
and Roy Van Brunt.<br />
United States Tennis Association<br />
70 West Red Oak Lane<br />
White Plains, NY 10604-3602<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>.<strong>com</strong><br />
© <strong>2010</strong> by the United States Tennis Association Inc. All rights reserved. No part of<br />
this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written<br />
permission of the United States Tennis Association.<br />
Printed in the United States of America<br />
Produced for the <strong>USTA</strong> by H.O. ZIMMAN, Inc.<br />
Front cover, clockwise from top left: Robert Durell; Getty Images; Getty Images; Delese Dellios; Robert Durell; Fred<br />
Leonard; Robert Durell.
Foreword<br />
The most significant changes in this year’s Friend at Court involve the<br />
reorganization of the <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations. Regulations that affect only Junior<br />
national tournaments and rankings have been <strong>com</strong>bined into Regulation IX;<br />
regulations that affect only Adult/Senior and Family national tournaments and<br />
rankings have been <strong>com</strong>bined into Regulation X; and regulations that affect only<br />
Wheelchair national tournaments and rankings have been <strong>com</strong>bined into<br />
Regulation XIII.<br />
Where substantive changes or changes that the editors want to call to your<br />
attention have been made since the last publication of Friend at Court, there is a<br />
vertical line in the margin.<br />
For amendments that be<strong>com</strong>e effective after press time, please refer to the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
website, <strong>USTA</strong>.<strong>com</strong>.<br />
Friend at Court (FAC) is not a training manual. The gray highlighted areas are a<br />
blend of <strong>com</strong>monly accepted answers to questions about the rules, officiating<br />
techniques, and officiating procedures derived from several sources, including<br />
the <strong>AT</strong>P, ITA, ITF, and WTA Tour. If you wish to learn more about accepted<br />
procedures, you should attend a <strong>USTA</strong>-approved training school.<br />
iii
iv<br />
Summary of Important Changes for <strong>2010</strong> Edition of<br />
Friend at Court<br />
ITF Rules of Tennis<br />
[p. 19] <strong>USTA</strong> Comment 26.3 was revised to clarify when a ringing or vibrating cell<br />
phone is deemed a deliberate hindrance versus an unintentional hindrance.<br />
[p. 22] New <strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.10 was added to explain what to do when players<br />
mistakenly use regular scoring when they should be playing no-ad scoring.<br />
[pp. 22-23] New <strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.11 was added to explain what to do when<br />
players mistakenly play a conventional tiebreak set when they should be playing a<br />
short set.<br />
[p. 23] New <strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.12 was added to explain how to correct the error<br />
when players mistakenly follow the conventional tiebreak procedure when they<br />
should be following the Coman Tiebreak Procedure.<br />
[pp. 27-28] Table 1 and a new Table include revised metric ITF tennis ball<br />
specifications.<br />
[p.34] New Section 6 under Appendix V - Electronic Review Procedures<br />
designates the maximum number of unsuccessful appeals allowed during a match.<br />
[p. 35] Appendix VI - Official 10 and Under Competition – was revised to include<br />
updated re<strong>com</strong>mendations for ball types to use on different court sizes for players<br />
in the 10s divisions.<br />
The Code<br />
[p. 48] Code Section 24 further clarifies when a player may call a foot fault on the<br />
server.
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulations<br />
There was a substantial reorganization of various <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations as well as the<br />
adoption of several new <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations increasing the number of <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations from 16 to 19. Regulations I.-V. were not changed. The chart shows<br />
the titles of the Regulations that were moved:<br />
Regulation 2009 FAC <strong>2010</strong> FAC<br />
VI Officiating Regulations QuickStart Tennis Formats<br />
VII National Championships and<br />
National Tournament Regulations Officiating Regulations<br />
VIII Collegiate and Scholastic<br />
Tournaments General Ranking Regulations<br />
IX Sanctioning Regulations Junior National Tournaments<br />
and National Ranking<br />
X <strong>USTA</strong> League Adult/Senior and Family<br />
National Tournaments and<br />
Rankings<br />
XI <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis Professional Rankings<br />
XII Regulations Governing Amateur Collegiate and Scholastic<br />
and Professional Status Tournaments and Collegiate<br />
Rankings<br />
XIII General Ranking Regulations Wheelchair National<br />
Tournaments and Rankings<br />
XIV National Ranking Regulations Medals and Prizes<br />
XV Regulations for Certification<br />
of Officials<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> League<br />
XVI Amendments and Requests<br />
for Waivers<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis<br />
XVII — Sanctioning Regulations<br />
XVIII — Regulations Governing<br />
Amateur and Professional<br />
Status<br />
XIX — Amendments and Requests<br />
for Waivers<br />
v
The increasing use and popularity of the QuickStart Tennis format has resulted in<br />
a variety of changes to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations, including:<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation VI outlines the QuickStart Tennis format for the Boys’ and<br />
Girls’ 8 divisions, including scoring and draw formats, equipment, and court<br />
dimensions. FAC Comments provide re<strong>com</strong>mendations for using the QuickStart<br />
Tennis format for Boys’ and Girls’ 10 divisions.<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations I.B and I.C clarify that a Tournament Director may serve as<br />
Referee of a tournament using the QuickStart Tennis format and that the<br />
individual does not have to be a <strong>USTA</strong> certified Referee.<br />
• Table 9 includes a provision for minimum rest between matches in tournaments<br />
using the QuickStart Tennis format.<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.D.1 clarifies that the Point Penalty System does not apply<br />
in tournaments using the QuickStart Tennis format.<br />
[p. 64] New paragraph under Table 5 – Criteria for Entering Wheelchair Divisions<br />
clarifies gender and certain eligibility requirements for Quad players.<br />
[pp. 77-78] New <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.D.iv and FAC Comment II.B-2 explain<br />
alternate methods of placing byes in a draw.<br />
[p. 120] <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.D.6.c clarifies that Roving Umpires may impose<br />
penalties under the Point Penalty System, but only based on their observations.<br />
vi
Contents<br />
Foreword........................................................................................................................iii<br />
Summary of Important Changes for <strong>2010</strong> Edition of Friend at Court....................iv<br />
PART 1 ITF RULES OF TENNIS<br />
ITF Rules of Tennis ...........................................................................................................................2<br />
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................2<br />
Rules of Wheelchair Tennis ....................................................................................................26<br />
Amendment to the Rules of Tennis........................................................................................27<br />
Appendices to the ITF Rules of Tennis ..................................................................................27<br />
Plan of the Court......................................................................................................................41<br />
Suggestions on How to Mark Out a Court ............................................................................42<br />
PART 2 THECODE Preface..........................................................................................................................................45<br />
Principles<br />
1. Courtesy ..........................................................................................................................45<br />
2. Counting points played in good faith ...........................................................................45<br />
The Warm-Up<br />
3. Warm-up is not practice .................................................................................................46<br />
4. Warm-up serves and returns..........................................................................................46<br />
Making Calls<br />
5. Player makes calls on own side of the net ....................................................................46<br />
6. Opponent gets benefit of doubt.....................................................................................46<br />
7. Ball touching any part of line is good ...........................................................................46<br />
8. Ball that cannot be called out is good ...........................................................................46<br />
9. Calls when looking across a line or when far away ....................................................46<br />
10. Treat all points the same regardless of their importance .............................................46<br />
11. Requesting opponent’s help ..........................................................................................47<br />
12. Out calls corrected..........................................................................................................47<br />
13. Player calls own shots out .............................................................................................47<br />
14. Partners’ disagreement on calls .....................................................................................47<br />
15. Audible or visible calls..................................................................................................47<br />
16. Opponent’s calls questioned .........................................................................................47<br />
17. Spectators never to make calls.......................................................................................47<br />
18. Prompt calls eliminate two chance option....................................................................47<br />
19. Lets called when balls roll on the court........................................................................47<br />
20. Touches, hitting ball before it crosses net, invasion of opponent’s<br />
court, double hits, and double bounces........................................................................47<br />
21. Balls hit through the net or into the ground.................................................................48<br />
22. Calling balls on clay courts ...........................................................................................48<br />
Serving<br />
23. Server’s request for third ball ........................................................................................48<br />
24. Foot faults .......................................................................................................................48<br />
25. Service calls in doubles..................................................................................................48<br />
26. Service calls by serving team.........................................................................................48<br />
27. Service let calls ...............................................................................................................48<br />
28. Obvious faults ................................................................................................................48<br />
29. Receiver readiness..........................................................................................................48<br />
30. Delays during service.....................................................................................................49<br />
Scoring<br />
31. Server announces score..................................................................................................49<br />
32. Disputes ..........................................................................................................................49<br />
Hindrance Issues<br />
33. Talking during a point ...................................................................................................49<br />
34. Feinting with the body ..................................................................................................49<br />
35. Lets due to hindrance.....................................................................................................49<br />
36. Grunting..........................................................................................................................49<br />
37. Injury caused by a player...............................................................................................49<br />
CONTENTS vii
When to Contact an Official<br />
38. Withdrawing from a match or tournament...................................................................50<br />
39. Stalling............................................................................................................................50<br />
40. Requesting an official ....................................................................................................50<br />
Ball Issues<br />
41. Retrieving stray balls .....................................................................................................50<br />
42. Catching a ball................................................................................................................50<br />
43. New balls for a third set.................................................................................................51<br />
Miscellaneous<br />
44. Clothing and equipment malfunction ..........................................................................51<br />
45. Placement of towels .......................................................................................................51<br />
PART 3 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS (INCLUDING FAC COMMENTS)<br />
I. Pre-Tournament Regulations................................................................................................52<br />
A. Applicability of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations...............................................................................52<br />
B. Application for Sanction and Appointment of Tournament Committee ...................53<br />
C. Tournament Committee..................................................................................................53<br />
D. Tournament Appeals Committee...................................................................................57<br />
E. Match Formats and Scoring...........................................................................................57<br />
F. Balls and Ball Change Pattern .......................................................................................59<br />
G. Player Eligibility.............................................................................................................60<br />
H. Entry Process...................................................................................................................67<br />
II. Draw Regulations....................................................................................................................71<br />
A. Seeding............................................................................................................................71<br />
B. Making the Draw............................................................................................................73<br />
C. Changes in the Draw......................................................................................................90<br />
D. Scheduling Matches .......................................................................................................97<br />
III. Conducting the Tournament...............................................................................................102<br />
A. Tournament Committee Responsibilities Once Tournament Starts.........................102<br />
B. Referee Responsibilities After Draw Has Been Made...............................................102<br />
C. Rest Periods...................................................................................................................107<br />
D. Suspension of Play .......................................................................................................107<br />
E. Medical Timeout, Bleeding Timeout...........................................................................110<br />
F. Toilet/Change of Attire Break......................................................................................115<br />
G Shortening Tournaments..............................................................................................115<br />
H Ball Change Errors, Ball Replacement, and Practice Balls........................................116<br />
IV. Player Responsibilities and Conduct.................................................................................117<br />
A. Checking in at the Tournament ...................................................................................117<br />
B. Player Responsibilities under The Code .......................................................................117<br />
C. Standards of Conduct...................................................................................................117<br />
D. Point Penalty System....................................................................................................121<br />
E. Defaults and Disqualifications ....................................................................................130<br />
V. Post-Tournament Regulations............................................................................................132<br />
A. Responsibilities of Tournament Committee and Referee<br />
After Completion of Tournament ................................................................................132<br />
B. Grievances .....................................................................................................................132<br />
C. Suspensions by Sectional Associations ......................................................................132<br />
VI. QuickStart Tennis Formats..................................................................................................134<br />
A. Purpose..........................................................................................................................134<br />
B. Boys’ and Girls’ 8 Divisions ........................................................................................134<br />
VII. Officiating Regulations.........................................................................................................138<br />
A. Referee...........................................................................................................................138<br />
B. Chief Umpire.................................................................................................................139<br />
C. Chair Umpire.................................................................................................................139<br />
D. Roving Umpire..............................................................................................................151<br />
viii CONTENTS
E. Net Umpire....................................................................................................................152<br />
F. Line Umpire ..................................................................................................................153<br />
G. Considerations for All Officials...................................................................................156<br />
H. Officials Council ...........................................................................................................157<br />
I. <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee...........................................................................................157<br />
J. Sectional and District Officials Committees...............................................................157<br />
K. Definitions for Certification.........................................................................................157<br />
L. Certification...................................................................................................................158<br />
M. General Certification Requirements ...........................................................................158<br />
N. Specific Certification Requirements............................................................................159<br />
O. Denial of Certification and Decertification.................................................................162<br />
P. Appeal Procedure .........................................................................................................162<br />
Q. Honorary Officials ........................................................................................................162<br />
R. Records on Officials......................................................................................................163<br />
S. Notification to Members of Officials Council ............................................................163<br />
VIII. General Ranking Regulations............................................................................................164<br />
A. Definition of Ranking Period ......................................................................................164<br />
B. <strong>USTA</strong> Membership Required ......................................................................................164<br />
C. Ranking Systems ..........................................................................................................164<br />
D. Results Considered for Rankings................................................................................164<br />
E. Ranking Considerations ..............................................................................................165<br />
IX. Junior National Tournaments and National Ranking...................................................166<br />
A. Junior National Tournament Regulations ..................................................................166<br />
B. Junior National Suspension System...........................................................................182<br />
C. Junior National Rankings....................................................................................................185<br />
D. Junior National Ranking Committees ........................................................................187<br />
E. Junior National Ranking Review Board ....................................................................188<br />
F. Confidentiality of Ranking Information.....................................................................188<br />
X. Adult, Senior and Family National Tournaments and Rankings.................................189<br />
A. Adult, Senior, and Damily National Tournament Regulations.................................189<br />
B. Divisions and Categories Ranked ...............................................................................192<br />
C. Eligibility for National Ranking.........................................................................................192<br />
D. Adult National Open Rankings...................................................................................193<br />
E. Professional/Adult National Open Rankings ............................................................193<br />
F. Adult, Senior, and Family National Rankings...........................................................195<br />
G. Matches That Count In More Than One Ranking Division Or Category................198<br />
H. National Adult/Senior and Family Ranking Committees ........................................198<br />
I. Adult/Senior and Family National Ranking Review Board.....................................199<br />
J. Confidentiality of Ranking Information.....................................................................199<br />
XI. Professional Rankings ..........................................................................................................200<br />
A. Men’s Division..............................................................................................................200<br />
B. Women’s Division.........................................................................................................200<br />
C. Eligibility for National Ranking .................................................................................200<br />
D. Review...........................................................................................................................200<br />
XII. Collegiate and Scholastic Tournaments and Collegiate Rankings..............................201<br />
A. A Method for Making the Draw .................................................................................201<br />
B. Scoring...........................................................................................................................201<br />
C. Eligibility for National Ranking .................................................................................201<br />
D. Collegiate Rankings .....................................................................................................202<br />
XIII. Wheelchair National Tournaments and Ranking ..........................................................203<br />
A. Wheelchair National Tournament Regulations..........................................................203<br />
B. Wheelchair National Rankings....................................................................................206<br />
C. Wheelchair National Ranking Committees................................................................209<br />
XIV. Medals and Prizes.................................................................................................................210<br />
A. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Balls.....................................................................................210<br />
CONTENTS ix
B. Gold Davis Cup Insignia .............................................................................................210<br />
C. Gold Fed Cup Charm ...................................................................................................210<br />
D. Restrictions on Trophy and Award Presentations......................................................210<br />
XV. <strong>USTA</strong> League ..........................................................................................................................211<br />
A. Description ....................................................................................................................211<br />
B. Rating System ...............................................................................................................211<br />
C. Eligibility ......................................................................................................................211<br />
D. Authority for Committee to Adopt <strong>USTA</strong> League Regulations ................................211<br />
XVI. <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis .........................................................................................................212<br />
A. Description ....................................................................................................................212<br />
B. Eligibility ......................................................................................................................212<br />
C. Authority for Committee to Adopt <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis Regulations ..................212<br />
XVII. Sanctioning ..........................................................................................................................213<br />
A. General Information .....................................................................................................213<br />
B. <strong>USTA</strong> League and <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis Approved Without<br />
Necessity of Sanction....................................................................................................215<br />
C. Sectional and District Tournaments and Leagues other than<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> League and <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis...................................................................215<br />
D. <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships,<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments, and <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments ....................216<br />
E. ITF Junior Tournaments...............................................................................................218<br />
F. US Open and Other Tournament Sanctions Awarded by <strong>USTA</strong> Board...................218<br />
XVIII. Amateur and Professional Status..................................................................................220<br />
A. Definitions.....................................................................................................................220<br />
B. Warning .........................................................................................................................220<br />
C. Acts That Will Cause the Loss of Amateur Status......................................................220<br />
D. Acts That Amateur May Engage in Without Losing Amateur Status ......................220<br />
E. Expenses That May Be Reimbursed Without Causing Player to Lose<br />
Amateur Status .............................................................................................................221<br />
F. Reimbursement of These Expenses Will Cause Player to Lose<br />
Amateur Status .............................................................................................................222<br />
G. Organization Member’s Role in Reimbursement of an Amateur’s Expenses .........223<br />
H. Amateur Prizes..............................................................................................................223<br />
I. Enforcement Procedure over Amateur Status ............................................................224<br />
J. Reinstatement to Amateur Status................................................................................225<br />
XIX. Amendments and Requests for Waivers.........................................................................227<br />
A. Amendment by the Members......................................................................................227<br />
B. Amendment by the Executive Committee .................................................................227<br />
C. Process for Submitting an Amendment......................................................................227<br />
D. Amendment by the Board............................................................................................227<br />
E. Amendments Passed by Executive Committee and Board Are<br />
Subject to Amendment at Next Meeting of the Members.........................................228<br />
F. Secretary-Treasurer of <strong>USTA</strong> Shall Provide Certain <strong>USTA</strong> Officials<br />
with Copy of Amendment Within Sixty Days of Its Adoption ................................228<br />
G. Effective Date of Amendments....................................................................................228<br />
H. Amendments to The Code, <strong>USTA</strong> Comments to ITF Rules of Tennis,<br />
and Comments to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations .........................................................................228<br />
I. Request for Waiver .......................................................................................................228<br />
PART 4 <strong>USTA</strong> EMERGENCY CARE GUIDELINES....................................................230<br />
PART 5 UMPIREASSIGNMENT, SELECTION, CERTIFIC<strong>AT</strong>ION,<br />
AND TRAINING .....................................................................................................235<br />
I. <strong>USTA</strong> Policy..........................................................................................................................235<br />
A. Diversity and Inclusion: A Key Element of the <strong>USTA</strong>’s Core Values....................235<br />
B. Assignment & Selection of Chair Umpires for Tournaments ................................235<br />
C. Certification and Training of Chair Umpires..........................................................237<br />
x CONTENTS
II. Discrimination Complaint and Resolution Process .....................................................238<br />
A. Umpire Equal Opportunity Policy..........................................................................238<br />
B. Umpire Complaint and Investigation Procedure ...................................................238<br />
PART 6 UMPIRE AWARDS ................................................................................................239<br />
PART 7 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION<br />
(ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS.........................................................................................242<br />
PART 8 GLOSSARY...............................................................................................................269<br />
PART 9 INDEX TO THE ITF RULES OF TENNIS, THE CODE,<br />
& <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS...................................................................................280<br />
THE OFFICIALS’ CODE OF CONDUCT ......................................................INSIDE BACK COVER<br />
CONTENTS OF THE FIGURES<br />
Figures<br />
1 Plan of the Court...........................................................................................................41<br />
2 Suggestions on How to Mark Out a Court.................................................................42<br />
3 Example of an Entry Form...........................................................................................68<br />
4 Positioning Seeds and Byes in Draw of 32 with 22 Players .....................................80<br />
5 Positioning Players in Feed-In Championship Draw..............................................82<br />
6 Modified Curtis Feed-In Championship Draw .........................................................85<br />
7 Compass Draw Sheet ...................................................................................................88<br />
8 Players Omitted from Draw.........................................................................................93<br />
9 36-Foot Court..............................................................................................................135<br />
10 60-Foot Court..............................................................................................................136<br />
11-13 Example of Scorecard Marking.................................................................................146<br />
14 Entry into <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship................................................................171<br />
CONTENTS OF THE TABLES<br />
Tables<br />
1 Tennis Ball Specification..............................................................................................27<br />
2 Responsibilities of the Tournament Committee.........................................................53<br />
3 Responsibilities of Referee ..........................................................................................55<br />
4 Junior Eligibility..........................................................................................................62<br />
5 Criteria for Entering Wheelchair Divisions................................................................64<br />
6 Scheduling Guidelines for Junior Divisions..............................................................98<br />
7 Scheduling Guidelines for Adults, Senior, and Wheelchair Divisions ....................99<br />
8 Draw Sheet Terminology and Procedures ................................................................104<br />
9 Minimum Rest Between Matches.............................................................................108<br />
10 Time Allowed Between Sets .....................................................................................109<br />
11 Medical Timeouts, Bleeding Timeouts and Toilet/<br />
Change of Attire Breaks.............................................................................................113<br />
12 Point Penalty System .................................................................................................123<br />
13 Time Violations...........................................................................................................124<br />
14 Penalties for Lateness.................................................................................................124<br />
15 Guidelines for Assessing Penalties ...........................................................................126<br />
16 Seeding Criteria for <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, (Juniors Only),<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens, <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments and<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic Championships (East/West).................169<br />
17 Match Formats for Tournaments on the National Junior<br />
Tournament Schedule ................................................................................................178<br />
18 <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments .............................................................................179<br />
19 Suspension Points ......................................................................................................183<br />
20 Adult National Open and Professional/Adult National Open<br />
Minimum Tournament Participation Requirements for National Ranking...........194<br />
21 Relative Ranking Weights of Other National Ranking Tournaments ....................196<br />
22 Adult, Senior, and Family Minimum Tournament<br />
Participation Requirements for National Ranking .................................................198<br />
23 Minimum Participation Requirements for Wheelchair National Ranking............207<br />
24 Relative Ranking Weights for Wheelchair Tournaments ........................................208<br />
CONTENTS xi
PART 1—ITF RULES OF TENNIS<br />
CONTENTS OF THE ITF RULES OF TENNIS<br />
1 The Court ......................................................................................................................................3<br />
2 Permanent Fixtures ......................................................................................................................4<br />
3 The Ball .........................................................................................................................................4<br />
4 The Racket ....................................................................................................................................5<br />
5 Score in a Game............................................................................................................................6<br />
6 Score in a Set ................................................................................................................................8<br />
7 Score in a Match...........................................................................................................................8<br />
8 Server & Receiver.........................................................................................................................8<br />
9 Choice of Ends & Service ............................................................................................................8<br />
10 Change of Ends ............................................................................................................................9<br />
11 Ball in Play....................................................................................................................................9<br />
12 Ball Touches a Line ......................................................................................................................9<br />
13 Ball Touches a Permanent Fixture ..............................................................................................9<br />
14 Order of Service..........................................................................................................................10<br />
15 Order of Receiving in Doubles .................................................................................................10<br />
16 The Service..................................................................................................................................11<br />
17 Serving ........................................................................................................................................11<br />
18 Foot Fault....................................................................................................................................11<br />
19 Service Fault ...............................................................................................................................13<br />
20 Second Service............................................................................................................................13<br />
21 When to Serve & Receive ..........................................................................................................13<br />
22 The Let During a Serve ..............................................................................................................14<br />
23 The Let.........................................................................................................................................14<br />
24 Player Loses Point ......................................................................................................................15<br />
25 A Good Return ...........................................................................................................................17<br />
26 Hindrance....................................................................................................................................18<br />
27 Correcting Errors........................................................................................................................19<br />
28 Role of Court Officials ...............................................................................................................23<br />
29 Continuous Play.........................................................................................................................23<br />
30 Coaching .....................................................................................................................................25<br />
RULES OF WHEELCHAIR TENNIS.............................................................................................26<br />
Amendment to the Rules of Tennis..................................................................................................27<br />
Appendix I—The Ball .......................................................................................................................27<br />
Classification of Court Pace .......................................................................................28<br />
Appendix II—The Racket .................................................................................................................29<br />
Appendix III—Advertising...............................................................................................................29<br />
Appendix IV—Alternative Procedures and Scoring Methods.......................................................30<br />
Appendix V—Role of Court Officials ..............................................................................................32<br />
Ball Mark Inspection Procedures.............................................................................34<br />
Electronic Review Procedures..................................................................................34<br />
Appendix VI—Official 10 and Under Tennis Competition............................................................35<br />
Appendix VII—Procedures for Review and Hearings on the Rules of Tennis.............................36<br />
Plan of the Court................................................................................................................................41<br />
Suggestions on How to Mark Out a Court......................................................................................42<br />
References to the International Tennis Federation or ITF shall hereinafter mean ITF Limited.<br />
2 RULES OF TENNIS
FOREWORD<br />
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the governing body of the<br />
game of tennis and its duties and responsibilities include determination of the<br />
Rules of Tennis.<br />
To assist the ITF in carrying out this responsibility, the ITF has appointed<br />
a Rules of Tennis Committee which continually monitors the game and its<br />
rules, and when considered necessary makes re<strong>com</strong>mendations for changes<br />
to the Board of Directors of the ITF who in turn make re<strong>com</strong>mendations to<br />
the Annual General Meeting of the ITF which is the ultimate authority for<br />
making any changes to the Rules of Tennis.<br />
Appendix IV lists all known and approved alternative procedures and<br />
scoring methods. In addition, on its own behalf or on application by<br />
interested parties, certain variations to the rules may be approved by the ITF<br />
for trial purposes only at a limited number of tournaments or events and/or<br />
for a limited time period. Such variations are not included in the published<br />
rules and require a report to the ITF on the conclusion of the approved trial.<br />
Note: Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these Rules of<br />
Tennis to the masculine includes the feminine gender.<br />
1. THE <strong>COURT</strong><br />
The court shall be a rectangle, 78 feet (23.77 m) long and, for singles matches,<br />
27 feet (8.23 m) wide. For doubles matches, the court shall be 36 feet (10.97 m) wide.<br />
The court shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended by a cord or metal<br />
cable which shall pass over or be attached to two net posts at a height of 31 ⁄2 feet<br />
(1.07 m). The net shall be fully extended so that it <strong>com</strong>pletely fills the space between<br />
the two net posts and it must be of sufficiently small mesh to ensure that a ball cannot<br />
pass through it. The height of the net shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) at the centre, where it<br />
shall be held down tightly by a strap. A band shall cover the cord or metal cable and<br />
the top of the net. The strap and band shall be <strong>com</strong>pletely white.<br />
• The maximum diameter of the cord or metal cable shall be 1 ⁄3 inch (0.8 cm).<br />
• The maximum width of the strap shall be 2 inches (5 cm).<br />
• The band shall be between 2 inches (5 cm) and 21 ⁄2 inches (6.35 cm) deep on<br />
each side.<br />
For doubles matches, the centres of the net posts shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) outside<br />
the doubles court on each side.<br />
For singles matches, if a singles net is used, the centres of the net posts shall be<br />
3 feet (0.914 m) outside the singles court on each side. If a doubles net is used, then<br />
the net shall be supported, at a height of 31 ⁄2 feet (1.07 m), by two singles sticks, the<br />
centres of which shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) outside the singles court on each side.<br />
• The net posts shall not be more than 6 inches (15 cm) square or 6 inches<br />
(15 cm) in diameter.<br />
• The singles sticks shall not be more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches<br />
(7.5 cm) in diameter.<br />
• The net posts and singles sticks shall not be more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) above<br />
the top of the net cord.<br />
The lines at the ends of the court are called baselines and the lines at the sides of<br />
the court are called sidelines.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 3
Two lines shall be drawn between the singles sidelines, 21 feet (6.40 m) from<br />
each side of the net, parallel with the net. These lines are called the servicelines. On<br />
each side of the net, the area between the serviceline and the net shall be divided<br />
into two equal parts, the service courts, by the centre serviceline. The centre<br />
serviceline shall be drawn parallel with the singles sidelines and half way between<br />
them.<br />
Each baseline shall be divided in half by a centre mark, 4 inches (10 cm) in length,<br />
which shall be drawn inside the court and parallel with the singles sidelines.<br />
• The centre service line and centre mark shall be 2 inches (5 cm) wide.<br />
• The other lines of the court shall be between 1 inch (2.5 cm) and 2 inches<br />
(5 cm) wide, except that the baselines may be up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide.<br />
All court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines and all lines of the<br />
court shall be of the same colour clearly contrasting with the colour of the surface.<br />
No advertising is allowed on the court, net, strap, band, net posts or singles sticks<br />
except as provided in Appendix III.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 1.1: How do you tighten the net to the proper tension?<br />
First, loosen the center strap. Next, tighten the net cord until the center of the<br />
net is approximately 40 inches above the ground. Finally, tighten the center<br />
strap until the center of the net is 36 inches above the ground. These<br />
measurements should always be made before the day’s first match and when<br />
possible before each match.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 1.2: What happens if a singles stick falls to the court<br />
during a point? The point stops immediately and is replayed.<br />
2. PERMANENT FIXTURES<br />
The permanent fixtures of the court include the backstops and sidestops, the<br />
spectators, the stands and seats for spectators, all other fixtures around and above the<br />
court, the Chair Umpire, Line Umpires, Net Umpire and ball persons when in their<br />
recognised positions.<br />
In a singles match played with a doubles net and singles sticks, the net posts and<br />
the part of the net outside the singles sticks are permanent fixtures and are not<br />
considered as net posts or part of the net.<br />
3. THE BALL<br />
Balls, which are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, must <strong>com</strong>ply with<br />
the specifications in Appendix I.<br />
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any<br />
ball or prototype <strong>com</strong>plies with Appendix I or is otherwise approved, or not<br />
approved, for play. Such ruling may be taken on its own initiative, or upon<br />
application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player,<br />
equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings<br />
and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and<br />
Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix VII).<br />
The event organisers must announce in advance of the event:<br />
a. The number of balls for play (2, 3, 4 or 6).<br />
b. The ball change policy, if any.<br />
Ball changes, if any, can be made either:<br />
4 RULES OF TENNIS
i. After an agreed odd number of games, in which case, the first ball<br />
change in the match shall take place two games earlier than for the<br />
rest of the match, to make allowance for the warm-up. A tie-break<br />
game counts as one game for the ball change. A ball change shall not<br />
take place at the beginning of a tie-break game. In this case, the ball<br />
change shall be delayed until the beginning of the second game of the<br />
next set; or<br />
ii. At the beginning of a set<br />
If a ball gets broken during play, the point shall be replayed.<br />
Case 1: If a ball is soft at the end of a point, should the point be replayed?<br />
Decision: If the ball is soft, not broken, the point shall not be replayed.<br />
Note: Any ball to be used in a tournament which is played under the Rules of<br />
Tennis, must be named on the official ITF list of approved balls issued by the<br />
International Tennis Federation.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 3.1: What is the difference between a broken ball and a<br />
soft ball? A broken ball has no <strong>com</strong>pression; a soft ball has some <strong>com</strong>pression.<br />
Both broken and soft balls should be removed from play.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 3.2: May a player cause a ball to be<strong>com</strong>e wet by using<br />
the ball to wipe perspiration from the player’s body? No. A player may not take<br />
any action that materially changes the condition of the ball; therefore, a player<br />
may not use a ball to wipe off perspiration.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 3.3: A current list of <strong>USTA</strong> approved balls is available on<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> web site, www.usta. <strong>com</strong>.<br />
4. THE RACKET<br />
Rackets, which are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, must <strong>com</strong>ply<br />
with the specifications in Appendix II.<br />
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any racket<br />
or prototype <strong>com</strong>plies with Appendix II or is otherwise approved, or not approved, for<br />
play. Such ruling may be undertaken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party<br />
with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or<br />
National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be<br />
made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the<br />
International Tennis Federation (see Appendix VII).<br />
Case 1: Is more than one set of strings allowed on the hitting surface of a racket?<br />
Decision: No. The rule mentions a pattern (not patterns) of crossed strings. (See<br />
Appendix II)<br />
Case 2: Is the stringing pattern of a racket considered to be generally uniform and<br />
flat if the strings are on more than one plane?<br />
Decision: No.<br />
Case 3: Can vibration damping devices be placed on the strings of a racket? If so,<br />
where can they be placed?<br />
Decision: Yes, but these devices may only be placed outside the pattern of the<br />
crossed strings.<br />
Case 4: During a point, a player accidentally breaks the strings. Can the player<br />
continue to play another point with this racket?<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 5
Decision: Yes, except where specifically prohibited by event organisers.<br />
Case 5: Is a player allowed to use more than one racket at any time during play?<br />
Decision: No.<br />
Case 6: Can a battery that affects playing characteristics be incorporated into a<br />
racket?<br />
Decision: No. A battery is prohibited because it is an energy source, as are solar<br />
cells and other similar devices.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 4.1: What happens if it is discovered after play has<br />
begun that a player has been using an illegal racket or an illegally strung<br />
racket? All points played stand. The player must find another racket before<br />
continuing play. A player is subject to code violations for delay under the<br />
Point Penalty System. If the discovery occurs after the match is over, the<br />
match still counts.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 4.2: May a player who breaks a racket or a string in a<br />
racket leave the court to get a replacement? A player who leaves the court to<br />
get a replacement is subject to code violations for delays under the Point<br />
Penalty System. Rule 29b permits a player “reasonable extra time” to leave<br />
the court only in those cases where “clothing, footwear, or necessary<br />
equipment (excluding racket) is broken or needs to be replaced.”<br />
5. SCORE IN A GAME<br />
a. Standard game<br />
A standard game is scored as follows with the server’s score being called first:<br />
No point - “Love”<br />
First point - “15”<br />
Second point - “30”<br />
Third point - “40”<br />
Fourth point - “Game”<br />
except that if each player/team has won three points, the score is “Deuce”.<br />
After “Deuce”, the score is “Advantage” for the player/team who wins the<br />
next point. If that same player/team also wins the next point, that player/team<br />
wins the “Game”; if the opposing player/team wins the next point, the score<br />
is again “Deuce”. A player/ team needs to win two consecutive points<br />
immediately after “Deuce” to win the “Game”.<br />
b. Tie-break game<br />
During a tie-break game, points are scored “Zero”,“1”, “2”, “3”, etc. The first<br />
player/team to win seven points wins the “Game” and “Set”, provided there<br />
is a margin of two points over the opponent(s). If necessary, the tie-break<br />
game shall continue until this margin is achieved.<br />
The player whose turn it is to serve shall serve the first point of the tiebreak<br />
game. The following two points shall be served by the opponent(s) (in<br />
doubles, the player of the opposing team due to serve next). After this, each<br />
player/team shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the end of<br />
the tie-break game (in doubles, the rotation of service within each team shall<br />
continue in the same order as during that set).<br />
The player/team whose turn it was to serve first in the tie-break game shall<br />
be the receiver in the first game of the following set.<br />
6 RULES OF TENNIS
Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in Appendix IV.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 5.1: Numeric scoring, which consists of “zero,” “one,”<br />
“two,” and “three,” may be substituted for “Love,” “15,” “30,” and “40” as<br />
long as the principle of winning four points by a margin of two is preserved.<br />
This is particularly appropriate for matches between new or young players<br />
or in which one player does not understand English. Hand signals may be<br />
used to show the score. This is a <strong>com</strong>mon practice with players who are<br />
hearing impaired. Numeric scoring may also be used when No-Ad scoring<br />
is authorized.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 5.2: The tiebreak game should not be confused with<br />
the 10-Point Match Tiebreak, which under certain circumstances may be<br />
played in lieu of the deciding final set. The 10-Point Match Tiebreak is<br />
described in Appendix IV.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 5.3: Is the server required to call the score at the<br />
beginning of each game and the point scores as the games go on in<br />
matches without officials? Yes. This is required by The Code § 31. After an<br />
official has cautioned a player to call out the score, the official may in a<br />
particularly egregious case treat subsequent violations as code violations<br />
for unsportsmanlike conduct.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 5.4: The server states that the score is 40-15; the<br />
receiver states that the score is 30-30. The players agree on who won every<br />
point except for the second point. What should they do? They should replay<br />
the second point from the advantage court. If the server wins the point, the<br />
score be<strong>com</strong>es 40-15; if the receiver wins the point, the score be<strong>com</strong>es 30-30.<br />
The next point is played from the deuce court.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 5.5: What happens in the same situation as <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Comment 5.4 except that the disputed point is the third point? Everything<br />
is done the same except that the disputed point is played from the deuce<br />
court.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 5.6: The players agree that they have played six points<br />
in the game but disagree over the score because they do not agree on who<br />
won the second point. The receiver acknowledges that the server called the<br />
score after each point and that the receiver did not express disagreement<br />
with the score until now. What should happen? The score as announced by<br />
the server should prevail because the receiver did not object. Note, however,<br />
if the receiver denied hearing the score, then an official would have to be<br />
called to go through the normal 3-step process to settle the dispute.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 5.7: When do the players change ends? Players change<br />
ends after every six points and at the end of the tiebreak. See Rule 10. They<br />
must change sides during the tiebreak without any break or delay.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 7
6. SCORE IN A SET<br />
There are different methods of scoring in a set. The two main methods are the<br />
“advantage set” and the “tie-break set”. Either method may be used provided that<br />
the one to be used is announced in advance of the event. If the “tie-break set”<br />
method is to be used, it must also be announced whether the final set will be played<br />
as a “tie-break set” or an “advantage set”.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 6.1: <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.E.1.a. prohibits the playing of<br />
“advantage sets.”<br />
a. “Advantage Set”<br />
The first player/team to win six games wins that “set”, provided there is a<br />
margin of two games over the opponent(s). If necessary, the set shall<br />
continue until this margin is achieved.<br />
b. “Tie-break Set”<br />
The first player/team to win six games wins that “set”, provided there is a<br />
margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches six games<br />
all, a tie-break game shall be played.<br />
Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in Appendix IV.<br />
7. SCORE IN A M<strong>AT</strong>CH<br />
A match can be played to the best of 3 sets (a player/team needs to win 2 sets to<br />
win the match) or to the best of 5 sets (a player/team needs to win 3 sets to win the<br />
match).<br />
Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in Appendix IV.<br />
8. SERVER & RECEIVER<br />
The players/teams shall stand on opposite sides of the net. The server is the player<br />
who puts the ball into play for the first point. The receiver is the player who is ready<br />
to return the ball served by the server.<br />
Case 1: Is the receiver allowed to stand outside the lines of the court?<br />
Decision: Yes. The receiver may take any position inside or outside the lines on the<br />
receiver’s side of the net.<br />
9. CHOICE OF ENDS & SERVICE<br />
The choice of ends and the choice to be server or receiver in the first game shall<br />
be decided by toss before the warm-up starts. The player/team who wins the toss<br />
may choose:<br />
a. To be server or receiver in the first game of the match, in which case the<br />
opponent(s) shall choose the end of the court for the first game of the match;<br />
or<br />
b. The end of the court for the first game of the match, in which case the<br />
opponent(s) shall choose to be server or receiver for the first game of the<br />
match; or<br />
c. To require the opponent(s) to make one of the above choices.<br />
Case 1: Do both players/teams have the right to new choices if the warm-up is<br />
stopped and the players leave the court?<br />
Decision: Yes. The result of the original toss stands, but new choices may be made<br />
by both players/teams.<br />
8 RULES OF TENNIS
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 9.1: When should the toss be made? The toss should be<br />
made before the warm-up so that the players can warm-up on the same end<br />
from which they play their first game.<br />
10. CHANGE OF ENDS<br />
The players shall change ends at the end of the first, third and every subsequent<br />
odd game of each set. The players shall also change ends at the end of each set unless<br />
the total number of games in that set is even, in which case the players change ends<br />
at the end of the first game of the next set.<br />
During a tie-break game, players shall change ends after every six points.<br />
Additional approved alternative procedures can be found in Appendix IV.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 10.1: Do the players change ends after a 7-Point Tiebreak<br />
is played to decide a set? Yes.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 10.2: When do the players change ends during a<br />
tiebreak that uses the Coman Tiebreak Procedure? The Coman Tiebreak<br />
Procedure is identical to the regular procedure except that the players<br />
change ends after the first point, then after every four points, and at the<br />
conclusion of the tiebreak.<br />
11. BALL IN PLAY<br />
Unless a fault or a let is called, the ball is in play from the moment the server hits<br />
the ball, and remains in play until the point is decided.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 11.1: Is a point decided when a good shot has clearly<br />
passed a player, or when an apparently bad shot passes over the baseline<br />
or sideline? No. A ball is in play until it bounces twice or lands outside the court,<br />
hits a permanent fixture, or hits a player. A ball that be<strong>com</strong>es embedded in the<br />
net is out of play.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 11.2: Must an out call on a player’s shot to the<br />
opponent’s court be made before the opponent’s return has either gone out<br />
of play or been hit by the first player? Yes.<br />
12. BALL TOUCHES A LINE<br />
If a ball touches a line, it is regarded as touching the court bounded by that line.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 12.1: If a player cannot call a ball out with certainty,<br />
should the player regard the ball as good? Yes. The Code §§ 6 & 8 require<br />
a player to give the opponent the benefit of any doubt.<br />
13. BALL TOUCHES A PERMANENT FIXTURE<br />
If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture after it has hit the correct court,<br />
the player who hit the ball wins the point. If the ball in play touches a permanent<br />
fixture before it hits the ground, the player who hit the ball loses the point.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 9
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 13.1: What happens if a ball hits the top of the net<br />
outside the singles stick and then lands in the court? The player who hit the<br />
ball loses the point because the ball hit a permanent fixture. In singles the area<br />
outside the singles stick is a permanent fixture.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 13.2: Who wins the point if a player hits a ball that hits<br />
an object attached to the net or post (such as the scoring device) and then<br />
lands in the proper court? The player who hit the ball loses the point<br />
because it hit a permanent fixture before landing in the court.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 13.3: During a rally in a singles match played on a<br />
doubles court without singles sticks, a player hits a shot that was going out<br />
until it hits the doubles post and careens into the proper court. Who wins<br />
the point? Every effort should be made to provide singles sticks for a match<br />
that is played on a doubles court so that this situation does not occur. If it<br />
does occur, the player who hit the shot wins the point because the entire<br />
doubles net and doubles posts are respectively the net and the net posts for<br />
this match.<br />
14. ORDER OF SERVICE<br />
At the end of each standard game, the receiver shall be<strong>com</strong>e the server and the<br />
server shall be<strong>com</strong>e the receiver for the next game.<br />
In doubles, the team due to serve in the first game of each set shall decide which<br />
player shall serve for that game. Similarly, before the second game starts, their<br />
opponents shall decide which player shall serve for that game. The partner of the<br />
player who served in the first game shall serve in the third game and the partner of<br />
the player who served in the second game shall serve in the fourth game. This rotation<br />
shall continue until the end of the set.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 14.1: May a doubles team switch its serving order at<br />
the beginning of any set or the 10-Point Match Tiebreak? Yes. There is no<br />
requirement that any doubles team retain the same serving order for a new<br />
set or 10-Point Match Tiebreak.<br />
15. ORDER OF RECEIVING IN DOUBLES<br />
The team which is due to receive in the first game of a set shall decide which<br />
player shall receive the first point in the game. Similarly, before the second game<br />
starts, their opponents shall decide which player shall receive the first point of that<br />
game. The player who was the receiver’s partner for the first point of the game shall<br />
receive the second point and this rotation shall continue until the end of the game and<br />
the set.<br />
After the receiver has returned the ball, either player in a team can hit the ball.<br />
Case 1: Is one member of a doubles team allowed to play alone against the<br />
opponents?<br />
Decision: No.<br />
10 RULES OF TENNIS
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 15.1: Do the partners have to alternate making shots<br />
during a rally? No. In the course of making a shot, only one partner may<br />
hit the ball. If both of them hit the ball, either simultaneously or<br />
consecutively, it is an illegal return. Mere clashing of rackets does not make<br />
a return illegal unless it is clear that more than one racket touched the ball.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 15.2: May a doubles team switch its receiving order at<br />
the beginning of any set or match tiebreak? Yes. There is no requirement<br />
that any doubles team retain the same receiving order for a new set or match<br />
tiebreak.<br />
16. THE SERVICE<br />
Immediately before starting the service motion, the server shall stand at rest with<br />
both feet behind (i.e. further from the net than) the baseline and within the imaginary<br />
extensions of the centre mark and the sideline.<br />
The server shall then release the ball by hand in any direction and hit the ball with<br />
the racket before the ball hits the ground. The service motion is <strong>com</strong>pleted at the<br />
moment that the player’s racket hits or misses the ball. A player who is able to use only<br />
one arm may use the racket for the release of the ball.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 16.1: May a player serve underhanded? Yes. There is<br />
no restriction in the rules on the kind of service motion that a server may<br />
use.<br />
17. SERVING<br />
When serving in a standard game, the server shall stand behind alternate halves<br />
of the court, starting from the right half of the court in every game.<br />
In a tie-break game, the service shall be served from behind alternate halves of the<br />
court, with the first served from the right half of the court.<br />
The service shall pass over the net and hit the service court diagonally<br />
opposite, before the receiver returns it.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 17.1: What happens if the receiver volleys the serve? The<br />
server wins the point unless the serve hit the net, in which case it is a let.<br />
18. FOOT FAULT<br />
During the service motion, the server shall not:<br />
a. Change position by walking or running, although slight movements of the feet<br />
are permitted; or<br />
b. Touch the baseline or the court with either foot; or<br />
c. Touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the sideline with either<br />
foot; or<br />
d. Touch the imaginary extension of the centre mark with either foot.<br />
If the server breaks this rule it is a “Foot Fault”.<br />
Case 1: In a singles match, is the server allowed to serve standing behind the part<br />
of the baseline between the singles sideline and the doubles sideline?<br />
Decision: No.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 11
Case 2: Is the server allowed to have one or both feet off the ground?<br />
Decision: Yes.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 18.1: Where may the server stand? In singles, the server<br />
may stand anywhere behind the baseline between the imaginary extensions of<br />
the inside edge of the center mark and the outside edge of the singles sideline.<br />
In doubles, the server may stand anywhere behind the baseline between the<br />
imaginary extensions of the inside edge of the center mark and the outside<br />
edge of the doubles sideline.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 18.2: What does the rule mean when it says that the<br />
server may “not change position by walking or running”? One key to<br />
understanding this rule is to realize that the server’s feet must be at rest<br />
immediately before beginning to serve. The delivery of the service then begins<br />
with any arm or racket motion and ends when the racket contacts the ball (or<br />
misses the ball in attempt to strike it).<br />
To define walking or running with precision is difficult. This rule is<br />
intended to prevent the server from taking advantage of the receiver by serving<br />
while “on the move” and requiring the receiver to guess the position from<br />
which the serve will be launched, and the rule should be enforced with that<br />
intent in mind.<br />
• A server who takes more than one step with either foot after the<br />
“feet at rest” position described above is at risk for being called for<br />
a foot fault. The serve be<strong>com</strong>es a foot fault when, in the judgment<br />
of an experienced official, the server has materially changed<br />
position before or during any racket or arm motion.<br />
• A server whose footwork changes significantly from one serve to<br />
the next is at risk for being called for a foot fault.<br />
• Serves that look like the running volleyball serve violate the<br />
rule. Serves in which the server runs or walks from a point<br />
well behind the baseline to the baseline are also illegal, as are serves<br />
in which the server walks or runs along the baseline before choosing<br />
a spot from which to deliver the serve.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 18.3: When does a foot fault occur? A player <strong>com</strong>mits<br />
a foot fault if after the player’s feet are at rest but before the player strikes the<br />
ball, either foot touches:<br />
• the court, including the baseline;<br />
• any part of the imaginary extension of the center mark; or<br />
• beyond the imaginary extension of the outside of the singles sideline<br />
in singles or the doubles sideline in doubles.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 18.4: Is it a foot fault if the server’s foot touches the<br />
baseline and then the server catches the tossed ball instead of attempting<br />
to strike it? This is not a foot fault as long as the server makes no attempt to<br />
strike the ball.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 18.5: May a player ask an official how he foot faulted?<br />
Yes. The official should then give a brief answer.<br />
12 RULES OF TENNIS
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 18.6: When may the receiver or the receiver’s partner call<br />
foot faults? In a non-officiated match, the receiver or the receiver’s partner may<br />
call foot faults only after all efforts such as warning the server and attempting<br />
to locate an official have failed and the foot faulting is so flagrant as to be clearly<br />
perceptible from the receiver’s side.<br />
19. SERVICE FAULT<br />
The service is a fault if:<br />
a. The server breaks rules 16, 17, or 18; or<br />
b. The server misses the ball when trying to hit it; or<br />
c. The ball served touches a permanent fixture, singles stick or net post before<br />
it hits the ground; or<br />
d. The ball served touches the server or server’s partner, or anything the server<br />
or server’s partner is wearing or carrying.<br />
Case 1: After tossing a ball to serve, the server decides not to hit it and catches it<br />
instead. Is this a fault?<br />
Decision: No. A player, who tosses the ball and then decides not to hit it, is allowed<br />
to catch the ball with the hand or the racket, or to let the ball bounce.<br />
Case 2: During a singles match played on a court with net posts and singles<br />
sticks, the ball served hits a singles stick and then hits the correct service court. Is<br />
this a fault?<br />
Decision: Yes.<br />
20. SECOND SERVICE<br />
If the first service is a fault, the server shall serve again without delay from behind<br />
the same half of the court from which that fault was served, unless the service was<br />
from the wrong half.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 20.1: Before returning the second serve, may the<br />
receiver clear a ball from a first service fault that has rebounded onto the<br />
playing area? Yes.<br />
21. WHEN TO SERVE & RECEIVE<br />
The server shall not serve until the receiver is ready. However, the receiver shall<br />
play to the reasonable pace of the server and shall be ready to receive within a<br />
reasonable time of the server being ready.<br />
A receiver who attempts to return the service shall be considered as being ready.<br />
If it is demonstrated that the receiver is not ready, the service cannot be called a fault.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 21.1: Does this rule apply to the first and second serve?<br />
Yes. This rule applies separately to both the first and second serve.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 21.2: Once ready, can the receiver be<strong>com</strong>e unready? The<br />
receiver cannot be<strong>com</strong>e unready unless outside interference occurs.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 21.3: May the server hit the serve just as the receiver<br />
looks up after getting into the ready position? No. The receiver is not ready<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 13
until the receiver is in the ready position and has a second or two to make<br />
eye contact with the server.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 21.4: How much time may elapse from the moment<br />
the ball goes out of play at the end of the point until the serve is struck to<br />
start the next point? When practical this time should not exceed 20<br />
seconds. This limit does not apply if a player has to chase a stray ball.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 21.5: Does the 20-second provision of Rule 29 apply<br />
to the second serve? No. The server must strike the second serve without<br />
delay.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 21.6: May the server suddenly increase the pace? No. The<br />
server may speed up the pace only so long as the new pace is reasonable and only<br />
so long as the change does not occur suddenly.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 21.7: What happens when the server observes that the<br />
receiver appears to be ready and hits the second serve in, but the receiver makes<br />
no attempt to return it? The server wins the point if the receiver had no reason<br />
for not being ready; if the receiver was not ready because of something within<br />
the receiver’s control (broken string or contact lens problem), then the server<br />
gets two serves; and if the receiver was not ready because of some reasonable<br />
factor such as clearing the errant first serve or a ball from an adjacent court, then<br />
the server gets one serve. If the time to clear the ball from the adjacent court is<br />
so prolonged as to constitute an interruption, good sportsmanship requires the<br />
receiver to offer the server two serves.<br />
22. THE LET DURING A SERVE<br />
The service is a let if:<br />
a. The ball served touches the net, strap or band, and is otherwise good; or,<br />
after touching the net, strap or band, touches the receiver or the receiver’s<br />
partner or anything they wear or carry before hitting the ground; or<br />
b. The ball is served when the receiver is not ready.<br />
In the case of a service let, that particular service shall not count, and the server<br />
shall serve again, but a service let does not cancel a previous fault.<br />
Additional approved alternative procedures can be found in Appendix IV.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 22.1: May the receiver claim a let if the server loses<br />
control and grip of the racket and it lands during the service in the server’s<br />
court? No. Such an occurrence is not sufficiently unusual to justify a let.<br />
23. THE LET<br />
In all cases when a let is called, except when a service let is called on a second<br />
service, the whole point shall be replayed.<br />
Case 1: When the ball is in play, another ball rolls onto court. A let is called. The<br />
server had previously served a fault. Is the server now entitled to a first service or<br />
second service?<br />
Decision: First service. The whole point must be replayed.<br />
14 RULES OF TENNIS
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 23.1: What happens when the server is interrupted<br />
during delivery of the second service? The server is entitled to two serves.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 23.2: What happens when there is a delay between the<br />
first and second serves? If the delay is caused by the receiver (such as a<br />
broken string or contact lens problem), an official, or outside interference, the<br />
whole point is replayed. If the server caused the delay, such as when the<br />
server breaks a string, the server gets one serve. Note that a spectator’s call<br />
(“out,” “fault,” or other), a spectator’s ringing cell phone, or grunting on an<br />
adjacent court is not basis for replaying the point. Action should be taken to<br />
prevent further spectator interference.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 23.3: What happens when a ball from an adjacent court<br />
rolls on the court between the first and second serves? The time it takes to<br />
clear an intruding ball between the first and second serves is not considered<br />
sufficient time to warrant the server receiving two serves unless this time is<br />
so prolonged as to constitute an interruption. The receiver is the judge of<br />
whether the delay is sufficiently prolonged to justify giving the server two<br />
serves.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 23.4: Who may call a let? Only an official or player may<br />
call a let. A player may call a let only on the player’s court.<br />
24. PLAYER LOSES POINT<br />
The point is lost if:<br />
a. The player serves two consecutive faults; or<br />
b. The player does not return the ball in play before it bounces twice<br />
consecutively; or<br />
c. The player returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, or before it<br />
bounces, an object, outside the correct court; or<br />
d. The player returns the ball in play so that, before it bounces, it hits a permanent<br />
fixture; or<br />
e. The receiver returns the service before it bounces; or<br />
f. The player deliberately carries or catches the ball in play on the racket or<br />
deliberately touches it with the racket more than once; or<br />
g. The player or the racket, whether in the player’s hand or not, or anything<br />
which the player is wearing or carrying touches the net, net posts/singles<br />
sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the opponent’s court at any time<br />
while the ball is in play; or<br />
h. The player hits the ball before it has passed the net; or<br />
i. The ball in play touches the player or anything that the player is wearing or<br />
carrying, except the racket; or<br />
j. The ball in play touches the racket when the player is not holding it; or<br />
k. The player deliberately and materially changes the shape of the racket when<br />
the ball is in play; or<br />
l. In doubles, both players touch the ball when returning it.<br />
Case 1: After the server has served a first service, the racket falls out of the server’s<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 15
hand and touches the net before the ball has bounced. Is this a service fault, or does<br />
the server lose the point?<br />
Decision: The server loses the point because the racket touches the net while the<br />
ball is in play.<br />
Case 2: After the server has served a first service, the racket falls out of the server’s<br />
hand and touches the net after the ball has bounced outside the correct service court.<br />
Is this a service fault, or does the server lose the point?<br />
Decision. This is a service fault because when the racket touched the net the ball<br />
was no longer in play.<br />
Case 3. In a doubles match, the receiver’s partner touches the net before the ball<br />
that has been served touches the ground outside the correct service court. What is the<br />
correct decision?<br />
Decision. The receiving team loses the point because the receiver’s partner<br />
touched the net while the ball was in play.<br />
Case 4: Does a player lose the point if an imaginary line in the extension of the net<br />
is crossed before or after hitting the ball?<br />
Decision: The player does not lose the point in either case provided the player<br />
does not touch the opponent’s court.<br />
Case 5. Is a player allowed to jump over the net into the opponent’s court while<br />
the ball is in play?<br />
Decision. No. The player loses the point.<br />
Case 6. A player throws the racket at the ball in play. Both the racket and the ball<br />
land in the court on the opponent’s side of the net and the opponent(s) is unable to<br />
reach the ball. Which player wins the point?<br />
Decision. The player who threw the racket at the ball loses the point.<br />
Case 7. A ball that has just been served hits the receiver or in doubles the receiver’s<br />
partner before it touches the ground. Which player wins the point?<br />
Decision. The server wins the point, unless it is a service let.<br />
Case 8. A player standing outside the court hits the ball or catches it before it<br />
bounces and claims the point because the ball was definitely going out of the correct<br />
court.<br />
Decision. The player loses the point, unless it is a good return, in which case the<br />
point continues.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 24.1: Does a player lose the point if the player’s hat hits<br />
the net? Yes. A player loses the point when any part of the player’s body,<br />
equipment, or apparel touches the net.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 24.2: What happens if the ball hits a player’s hat that<br />
landed on the court earlier in the point? The ball remains in<br />
play because the opponent did not ask for a let. When play continued after<br />
the hat landed on the court, the hat became a part of the court. Therefore<br />
when a ball hits the hat, it is treated in the same manner as if the ball had hit<br />
the court.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 24.3: If a player’s hat falls off during a point, may the<br />
opponent stop play and claim a let? Yes. The opponent’s immediate request<br />
should be granted. A let should not be granted after the point nor should a<br />
request from the player who lost the hat.<br />
16 RULES OF TENNIS
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 24.4: What happens if a player’s damping<br />
device <strong>com</strong>es out and hits the net or the opponent’s court? The player loses<br />
the point unless the ball went out of play before the device hit the net or<br />
court. If the device is not discovered until after the point is over, the point<br />
stands as played.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 24.5: Does a player lose a point if the ball hits his<br />
racket twice during one swing? No. Only when there is a definite and<br />
deliberate “second push” by the player does the shot be<strong>com</strong>e illegal.<br />
“Deliberately” is the key word in this rule. Two hits occurring during a single<br />
continuous swing are not deemed a double hit.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 24.6: Does the clashing of rackets make the return<br />
illegal? No. Unless it is clear that more than one racket touched the ball.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 24.7: Does a player who touches a pipe support that runs<br />
across the court at the bottom of the net lose the point? Yes. The pipe support<br />
is considered a part of the net except when a ball hits it, in which case the<br />
pipe support is considered part of the court.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 24.8: What happens if a player stretches to hit a ball,<br />
the racket falls to the ground, and the ball then goes into the court for a<br />
winner? The player wins the point unless the racket was not in the player’s<br />
hand at the instant the ball was struck.<br />
25. A GOOD RETURN<br />
It is a good return if:<br />
a. The ball touches the net, net posts/singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap<br />
or band, provided that it passes over any of them and hits the ground within<br />
the correct court; except as provided in Rule 2 and 24 (d); or<br />
b. After the ball in play has hit the ground within the correct court and has spun<br />
or been blown back over the net, the player reaches over the net and plays the<br />
ball into the correct court, provided that the player does not break Rule 24; or<br />
c. The ball is returned outside the net posts, either above or below the level<br />
of the top of the net, even though it touches the net posts, provided that it<br />
hits the ground in the correct court; except as provided in Rules 2 and 24<br />
(d); or<br />
d. The ball passes under the net cord between the singles stick and the adjacent<br />
net post without touching either net, net cord or net post and hits the ground<br />
in the correct court; or<br />
e. The player’s racket passes over the net after hitting the ball on the player’s<br />
own side of the net and the ball hits the ground in the correct court; or<br />
f. The player hits the ball in play, which hits another ball lying in the correct<br />
court.<br />
Case 1: A player returns a ball which then hits a singles stick and hits the ground<br />
in the correct court. Is this is a good return?<br />
Decision: Yes. However, if the ball is served and hits the singles stick, it is a service<br />
fault.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 17
Case 2: A ball in play hits another ball which is lying in the correct court. What is<br />
the correct decision?<br />
Decision: Play continues. However, if it is not clear that the actual ball in play has<br />
been returned, a let should be called.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 25.1: What happens if the ball in play strikes a ball that<br />
came from another court after the start of the point? Replay the point.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 25.2: Must a request to remove a ball that is lying in the<br />
opponent’s court be honored? Yes, but not while the ball is in play.<br />
Additionally, a request to remove a ball that is outside the court but reasonably<br />
close to the lines also must be honored.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 25.3: In doubles is it a good return if a ball passes<br />
under the net cord and inside the post without touching either in a doubles<br />
match? No. This is a “through.”<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 25.4: Does a player lose the point if the opponent’s ball<br />
touches a pipe support that runs across the court at the bottom of the net?<br />
No. The pipe support is considered a part of the court except that it is considered<br />
part of the net when a player, or anything the player wears or carries, touches<br />
the pipe support.<br />
26. HINDRANCE<br />
If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent(s),<br />
the player shall win the point.<br />
However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by<br />
either an unintentional act of the opponent(s), or something outside the player’s own<br />
control (not including a permanent fixture).<br />
Case 1: Is an unintentional double hit a hindrance?<br />
Decision: No. See also Rule 24 (f).<br />
Case 2: A player claims to have stopped play because the player thought that the<br />
opponent(s) was being hindered. Is this a hindrance?<br />
Decision: No, the player loses the point.<br />
Case 3: A ball in play hits a bird flying over the court. Is this a hindrance?<br />
Decision: Yes, the point shall be replayed.<br />
Case 4: During a point, a ball or other object that was lying on the player’s side of<br />
the net when the point started hinders the player. Is this a hindrance?<br />
Decision: No.<br />
Case 5: In doubles, where are the server’s partner and receiver’s partner allowed<br />
to stand?<br />
Decision: The server’s partner and the receiver’s partner may take any position on<br />
their own side of the net, inside or outside the court. However, if a player is creating a<br />
hindrance to the opponent(s), the hindrance rule should be used.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 26.1: What is the difference between a deliberate and an<br />
unintentional act? Deliberate means a player did what the player intended to<br />
do, even if the result was unintended. An example is a player who hits a short<br />
18 RULES OF TENNIS
lob in doubles and loudly shouts “back” just before an opponent hits the<br />
overhead. See The Code § 33. Unintentional refers to an act over which a<br />
player has no control, such as a hat blowing off or a scream after a wasp sting.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 26.2: Can a player’s own action be the basis for that<br />
player claiming a let or a hindrance? No. Nothing a player does entitles that<br />
player to call a let. For example, a player is not entitled to a let because the player<br />
breaks a string, the player’s hat falls off, or a ball in the player’s pocket falls out.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 26.3: What happens if a player’s cell phone<br />
rings or vibrates while the ball is in play? Unless the Referee specifically<br />
authorized the player to wear a cell phone in vibrate mode, the player caused<br />
a disturbance by bringing the phone to the court and not turning it off. This<br />
amounts to a deliberate hindrance. The opponent may stop play and claim<br />
the point on the grounds of a deliberate hindrance. If the Referee specifically<br />
authorized the player to wear the cell phone in vibrate mode, the opponent<br />
may claim a let on the grounds of unintentional hindrance.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 26.4: Can the server’s discarding of a second ball<br />
constitute a hindrance? Yes. If the receiver or an official asks the server to<br />
stop discarding the ball, then the server shall stop. Any continued<br />
discarding of the ball constitutes a deliberate hindrance, and the server<br />
loses the point.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 26.5: Is an out call or other noise from a spectator a<br />
hindrance that allows a point to be replayed? No. The actions of a spectator<br />
in an area designated for spectators is not the basis for replaying a point.<br />
27. CORRECTING ERRORS<br />
As a principle, when an error in respect of the Rules of Tennis is discovered,<br />
all points previously played shall stand. Errors so discovered shall be corrected as<br />
follows:<br />
a. During a standard game or a tie-break game, if a player serves from the wrong<br />
half of the court, this should be corrected as soon as the error is discovered<br />
and the server shall serve from the correct half of the court according to the<br />
score. A fault that was served before the error was discovered shall stand.<br />
b. During a standard game or a tie-break game, if the players are at the wrong<br />
ends of the court, the error should be corrected as soon as it is discovered and<br />
the server shall serve from the correct end of the court according to the score.<br />
c. If a player serves out of turn during a standard game, the player who was<br />
originally due to serve shall serve as soon as the error is discovered. However,<br />
if a game is <strong>com</strong>pleted before the error is discovered the order of service shall<br />
remain as altered. In this case, any ball change to be made after an agreed<br />
number of games should be made one game later than originally scheduled.<br />
A fault that was served by the opponents(s) before the error was discovered<br />
shall not stand.<br />
In doubles, if the partners of one team serve out of turn, a fault that was<br />
served before the error was discovered shall stand.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 19
d. If a player serves out of turn during a tie-break game and the error is discovered<br />
after an even number of points have been played, the error is corrected<br />
immediately. If the error is discovered after an odd number of points have been<br />
played, the order of service shall remain as altered.<br />
A fault that was served by the opponent(s) before the error was<br />
discovered shall not stand.<br />
In doubles, if the partners of one team serve out of turn, a fault that was<br />
served before the error was discovered shall stand.<br />
e. During a standard game or a tie-break game in doubles, if there is an error in<br />
the order of receiving, this shall remain as altered until the end of the game in<br />
which the error is discovered. For the next game in which they are the receivers<br />
in that set, the partners shall then resume the original order of receiving.<br />
f. If in error a tie-break game is started at 6 games all, when it was previously<br />
agreed that the set would be an “advantage set”, the error shall be corrected<br />
immediately if only one point has been played. If the error is discovered<br />
after the second point is in play, the set will continue as a “tie-break set”.<br />
g. If in error a standard game is started at 6 games all, when it was previously<br />
agreed that the set would be a “tie-break set”, the error shall be corrected<br />
immediately if only one point has been played. If the error is discovered after<br />
the second point is in play, the set will continue as an “advantage set” until<br />
the score reaches 8 games all (or a higher even number), when a tie-break<br />
game shall be played.<br />
h. If in error an “advantage set” or “tie-break set” is started, when it was<br />
previously agreed that the final set would be a match tie-break, the error<br />
shall be corrected immediately if only one point has been played. If the error<br />
is discovered after the second point is in play, the set will continue either<br />
until a player or team wins three games (and therefore the set) or until the<br />
score reaches 2 games all, when a match tie-break shall be played. However,<br />
if the error is discovered after the second point of the fifth game has started,<br />
the set will continue as a “tie-break set”. (See Appendix IV.)<br />
i. If the balls are not changed in the correct sequence, the error shall be<br />
corrected when the player/team who should have served with new balls is<br />
next due to serve a new game. Thereafter the balls shall be changed so that<br />
the number of games between ball changes shall be that originally agreed.<br />
Balls should not be changed during a game.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comments on Correcting Errors<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.1: Errors as to Ends, Sides, Rotation, and Service<br />
Order, Etc. The general guiding philosophy regarding any mistakes made by<br />
players in failing to change ends, serving from wrong ends, serving to the<br />
wrong court, receiving from the wrong court, etc., is this: Any such error<br />
shall be rectified as soon as discovered but not while the ball is in play, and<br />
any points <strong>com</strong>pleted under the erroneous condition shall be counted.<br />
There are only three exceptions to the “rectify immediately” requirement.<br />
One is in the case of a doubles match where the players of one team happened<br />
to reverse their left court/right court receiving lineup in the middle of a set,<br />
and the switch is discovered in the middle of a game. In this case the players<br />
20 RULES OF TENNIS
finish that game in the “new” positions, but resume their original lineup in<br />
all receiving games thereafter in that set.<br />
The second is where a ball change has not taken place in proper<br />
sequence. Rule 27i now says that this mistake shall be corrected when the<br />
player, or pair in case of doubles, who should have served with the new<br />
balls is next due to serve. Do not change in mid-game.<br />
The third occurs in a tiebreak, either singles or doubles, in various<br />
situations.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.2: The tournament announced on its entry form that<br />
a 10-Point Match Tiebreak would be used in lieu of the third set. The players<br />
inadvertently play a regular set until they realize the mistake at 3-0. What<br />
should happen? Since the mistake was discovered before the start of the<br />
fifth game, pursuant to Rule 27h the player who is ahead 3-0 has won the<br />
set and the final set score should be shown as 3-0.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.3: The tournament announced on its entry form that<br />
a 10-Point Match Tiebreak would be used in lieu of the third set. The players<br />
inadvertently play a regular set until they realize the mistake at 2-1 and<br />
30-all. What should happen? Since the mistake was discovered before the<br />
start of the fifth game, the players must continue playing until the score<br />
reaches 3-1 or 2-2. If the score reaches 3-1, the player who is ahead wins<br />
the set and the final set score is recorded as 3-1. If the score reaches 2-2,<br />
a 10-Point Match Tiebreak is played. The score is recorded as 3-2(x) with<br />
the score in the 10-Point Match Tiebreak placed inside the parentheses.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.4: The tournament announced on its entry form that<br />
a 10-Point Match Tiebreak would be used in lieu of the third set. The players<br />
inadvertently play a regular set until they realize the mistake after the server<br />
has served a first service fault at the beginning of the second point of the<br />
fifth game of the final set. What should happen? Regardless of whether<br />
the score is 2-2, 3-1, or 4-0, the players must continue playing a full set<br />
because they have started the second point of the fifth game. If the score<br />
reaches 6-all the players would play a 7-Point Set Tiebreak. The score is<br />
recorded the same as any other tiebreak set.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.5: Player A should have served the first point of the<br />
second set tiebreak, but instead Player B served the first point. Pursuant to<br />
Rule 27d, the order of service remained as altered. Who serves the first game<br />
of the final set? Player B serves the first game. Rule 5b states that the player<br />
whose turn it was to serve first in the set tiebreak shall be the receiver in the<br />
first game of the following set.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.6: Same situation as in <strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.5 except<br />
that a 10-Point Match Tiebreak is to be played in lieu of the third set. Who<br />
serves first in the 10-Point Match Tiebreak that is to be played in lieu of the<br />
final set? Player B.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 21
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.7: The tournament announced that a 10-Point Match<br />
Tiebreak would be played in lieu of the third set. The players split<br />
sets. With Player A ahead 7-5, Player A <strong>com</strong>es to the net to shake hands with<br />
Player B. Player B refuses to shake hands because Player B contends that<br />
the match tiebreak is not over. What should happen? The players should<br />
keep on playing because the 10-Point Match Tiebreak is not yet over.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.8: Same situation as in <strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.7 except<br />
that Player B shakes hands. The players report to the Referee that Player A<br />
won the match tiebreak 7-5. Does Player A win the match? Yes. By shaking<br />
hands the players have acknowledged that they agreed the match was over.<br />
Even though the <strong>USTA</strong> mandates the use of the 10-Point Match Tiebreak,<br />
the 7-Point Tiebreak was played in good faith, so Player A wins the match,<br />
and the final set score should be recorded 1-0(5). See The Code § 2.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.9. Matches in a tournament are supposed to be the<br />
best of three tiebreak sets. The players mistakenly start playing a 10-Point<br />
Match Tiebreak in lieu of the final set. The error is discovered after Player A<br />
has served a first service fault at the beginning of the second point of the<br />
10-Point Match Tiebreak. Should the players continue playing a match<br />
tiebreak? Yes. Since the players have started the second point, they must<br />
finish the 10-Point Match Tiebreak.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.10. What happens if a match is supposed to be played<br />
with no-ad scoring but the players mistakenly use conventional scoring? All<br />
games played count. All points count. If the score is deuce when the mistake<br />
is discovered, immediately convert to no-ad scoring. Otherwise continue using<br />
conventional scoring until a player wins the game or the score reaches deuce.<br />
If the score reaches deuce, the winner of the next point wins the game. (The<br />
receiver has the choice of sides except in mixed doubles.)<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.11. What happens if a match is supposed to be played<br />
with short sets but the players mistakenly play a conventional tiebreak set?<br />
(First note that a mistake has not occurred unless one player has won five<br />
games or unless the score is four-all and the players have started to play the<br />
second point of the ninth game.) What should happen depends on the score.<br />
• If the error is discovered when one player leads by two games or<br />
more, stop play and the player in the lead wins the set.<br />
• If the error is discovered when one player leads by one game, play<br />
one more game or <strong>com</strong>plete the game in progress. If the player now<br />
leads by two games, then that player wins the set. If, on the other<br />
hand, the set is now tied, play a 7-Point Set Tiebreak to determine the<br />
winner of the set.<br />
• If the error is discovered when the game score is tied and at least one<br />
point has been played in the next game, <strong>com</strong>plete the game in<br />
progress and one additional game. If one player wins both games,<br />
then that player wins the set. If, on the other hand, the score is now<br />
tied, play a 7-Point Set Tiebreak to determine the winner of the set.<br />
22 RULES OF TENNIS
• If the error is discovered when the score is tied, play a 7-Point Set<br />
Tiebreak to determine the winner of the set.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 27.12. The tournament announced on its entry form that<br />
the Coman Tiebreak Procedure would be used. The players inadvertently use<br />
the conventional procedure. The mistake is discovered at 1-all in the tiebreak.<br />
What should happen? Because the mistake was discovered after the players<br />
had started playing the second point of the tiebreak, the players finish the set<br />
using the conventional tiebreak procedure.<br />
28. ROLE OF <strong>COURT</strong> OFFICIALS<br />
For matches where officials are appointed, their roles and responsibilities can be<br />
found in Appendix V.<br />
29. CONTINUOUS PLAY<br />
As a principle, play should be continuous, from the time the match starts (when<br />
the first service of the match is put in play) until the match finishes.<br />
a. Between points, a maximum of twenty (20) seconds is allowed. When the<br />
players change ends at the end of a game, a maximum of ninety (90)<br />
seconds are allowed. However, after the first game of each set and during a<br />
tie-break game, play shall be continuous and the players shall change ends<br />
without a rest.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 29.1: The 20-second time limit does not apply if a player<br />
has to chase a stray ball. See Rule 21 and <strong>USTA</strong> Comments 21.1-7 for more<br />
information about when the server and receiver must be ready.<br />
At the end of each set there shall be a set break of a maximum of one<br />
hundred and twenty (120) seconds.<br />
The maximum time starts from the moment that one point finishes until<br />
the first service is struck for the next point.<br />
Event organisers may apply for ITF approval to extend the ninety (90)<br />
seconds allowed when the players change ends at the end of a game and<br />
the one hundred and twenty (120) seconds allowed at a set break.<br />
b. If, for reasons outside the player’s control, clothing, footwear or necessary<br />
equipment (excluding the racket) is broken or needs to be replaced, the player<br />
may be allowed reasonable extra time to rectify the problem.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 29.2: Reasonable extra time is determined by the official<br />
based on a number of variables such as fairness to the opponent and the<br />
distance between the court and a source for replacement clothing, footwear,<br />
or equipment. Rarely would 15 minutes ever be considered reasonable.<br />
c. No extra time shall be given to allow a player to recover condition. However, a<br />
player suffering from a treatable medical condition may be allowed one<br />
medical timeout of three minutes for the treatment of that medical condition.<br />
A limited number of toilet/change of attire breaks may also be allowed, if this<br />
is announced in advance of the event.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 23
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 29.3: Table 11 in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.E. allows one or<br />
more “genuine” toilet or change of attire breaks. When possible these breaks<br />
should be taken during a set break. If this is not possible, then the break<br />
should be taken at an odd game changeover. Breaks taken at other times<br />
should be limited to true emergencies. Table 11 does not allow a tournament<br />
to limit the number of breaks. Gastrointestinal problems are medical<br />
conditions that are governed by medical timeout provisions and not by the<br />
toilet break provision.<br />
d. Event organisers may allow a rest period of a maximum of ten (10) minutes<br />
if this is announced in advance of the event. This rest period can be taken<br />
after the 3rd set in a best of 5 sets match, or after the 2nd set in a best of 3<br />
sets match.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 29.4: Table 10 in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.C. sets forth<br />
provisions for rest between sets in different divisions.<br />
e. The warm-up time shall be a maximum of five (5) minutes, unless<br />
otherwise decided by the event organisers.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 29.5: If there are no ball persons, may the warm-up be<br />
extended beyond five minutes? Yes. The warm-up may be extended to ten<br />
minutes.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 29.6: May play be suspended to replace a lost contact<br />
lens? Yes. Whenever possible the player should replace the lens on the court.<br />
If the weather, court surface, or other conditions make it impossible to insert the<br />
lens on the court, the player should insert the lens in the area closest to the<br />
court where this task is possible.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 29.7: When the weather is misty, may play be suspended<br />
to allow a player who wears glasses to insert contact lenses? No. The player<br />
may change into contacts only on the court and only during a changeover.<br />
This case is different from a lost contact lens because the player chose to<br />
begin playing the match with glasses.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 29.8: See <strong>USTA</strong> Comment 4.2 for what happens when<br />
a player asks to leave the court to get a replacement racket.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 29.9: When are the players entitled to another warmup<br />
after their match has been suspended? The players are entitled to a<br />
re-warm-up of the same duration as the original warm-up if a match has<br />
been suspended for more than 15 minutes. They are not entitled to a<br />
re-warm-up after an authorized intermission. When possible, used balls<br />
other than the match balls should be used for the re-warm-up, and the<br />
match balls should be used only once play resumes. If match balls are used<br />
for the re-warm-up and balls are being changed after a designated number<br />
of games, the next ball change occurs two games sooner.<br />
24 RULES OF TENNIS
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 29.10: A best-of-five sets match with an authorized rest<br />
period after the third set is suspended because of darkness at one set all.<br />
The match is resumed the next day. When Player A wins a long set, Player<br />
B claims entitlement to a rest period. Is Player B entitled to a rest period?<br />
No. Although this was the third set of the match, it was only the first set on<br />
that day. If there is a prolonged interruption, such as one caused by rain, and<br />
play is resumed on the same day, the players should be informed as to the<br />
point at which, if any, a rest period might later be taken.<br />
30. COACHING<br />
Coaching is considered to be <strong>com</strong>munication, advice or instruction of any kind,<br />
audible or visible, to a player.<br />
In team events where there is a team captain sitting on-court, the team captain may<br />
coach the player(s) during a set break and when the players change ends at the end<br />
of a game, but not when the players change ends after the first game of each set and<br />
not during a tie-break game.<br />
In all other matches, coaching is not allowed.<br />
Case 1: Is a player allowed to be coached, if the coaching is given by signals in<br />
a discreet way?<br />
Decision: No.<br />
Case 2: Is a player allowed to receive coaching when play is suspended?<br />
Decision: Yes.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 30.1: A player may bring to the court written notes<br />
that were prepared before the start of the match and may read these notes<br />
during the match. A player may not use electronic devices such as cell<br />
phones, digital messaging systems, radios, mp3 players, cd and dvd<br />
players, cassette players, and any device capable of receiving<br />
<strong>com</strong>munication. Hearing aids and watches not capable of receiving<br />
messages are permitted. A player desiring to use any other electronic<br />
device should first ask the Referee whether the device may be used.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 30.2: Is coaching permitted during authorized rest<br />
periods? Yes. However, an authorized rest period does not include a toilet<br />
break, a 2-minute set break, medical timeout, bleeding timeout, when play<br />
is suspended but the players remain on the court, when a player leaves the<br />
court seeking the assistance of the Referee, or when equipment or clothing<br />
is being adjusted.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment 30.3: Is coaching permitted in the <strong>USTA</strong> League<br />
programs? No. Even though the <strong>USTA</strong> League programs are team<br />
<strong>com</strong>petitions for adults and seniors, coaching is not permitted under league<br />
rules, except during authorized rest periods or as otherwise permitted.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 25
RULES OF WHEELCHAIR TENNIS<br />
The game of wheelchair tennis follows the ITF Rules of Tennis with the following<br />
exceptions.<br />
a. The Two Bounce Rule<br />
The wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. The player<br />
must return the ball before it hits the ground a third time. The second bounce<br />
can be either in or out of the court boundaries.<br />
b. The Wheelchair<br />
The wheelchair is considered part of the body and all applicable rules, which<br />
apply to a player’s body, shall apply to the wheelchair.<br />
c. The Service<br />
i. The service shall be delivered in the following manner. Immediately before<br />
<strong>com</strong>mencing the service, the server shall be in a stationary position. The<br />
server shall then be allowed one push before striking the ball.<br />
ii. The server shall throughout the delivery of the service not touch with any<br />
wheel, any area other than that behind the baseline within the imaginary<br />
extension of the centre mark and sideline.<br />
iii. If conventional methods for the service are physically impossible for a<br />
quadriplegic player, then the player or an individual may drop the ball for<br />
such a player. However, the same method of serving must be used each time.<br />
d. Player Loses Point<br />
A player loses a point if:<br />
i. The player fails to return the ball before it has touched the ground three<br />
times; or<br />
ii. Subject to rule e) below the player uses any part of his feet or lower<br />
extremities as brakes or as stabilisers while delivering service, stroking a<br />
ball, turning or stopping against the ground or against any wheel while the<br />
ball is in play; or<br />
iii. The player fails to keep one buttock in contact with his wheelchair seat<br />
when contacting the ball.<br />
e. Propelling the Chair with the Foot<br />
i. If due to lack of capacity a player is unable to propel the wheelchair via the<br />
wheel then he may propel the wheelchair using one foot.<br />
ii. Even if in accordance with rule e) i. above a player is permitted to propel<br />
the chair using one foot, no part of the player’s foot may be in contact<br />
with the ground:<br />
a) during the forward motion of the swing, including when the racket<br />
strikes the ball;<br />
b) from the initiation of the service motion until the racket strikes the<br />
ball.<br />
iii. A player in breach of this rule shall lose the point.<br />
f. Wheelchair/Able-bodied Tennis<br />
Where a wheelchair tennis player is playing with or against an able-bodied<br />
person in singles or doubles, the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis shall apply for<br />
the wheelchair player while the Rules of Tennis for able-bodied tennis shall<br />
apply for the able-bodied player. In this instance, the wheelchair player is<br />
allowed two bounces while the able-bodied player is allowed only one bounce.<br />
Note: The definition of lower extremities is: -the lower limb, including the buttocks,<br />
hip, thigh, leg, ankle and foot.<br />
26 RULES OF TENNIS
AMENDMENT TO THE RULES OF TENNIS<br />
The official and decisive text to the Rules of Tennis shall be for ever in the English<br />
language and no alteration or interpretation of such Rules shall be made except at an<br />
Annual General Meeting of the Council, nor unless notice of the resolution embodying<br />
such alteration shall have been received by the Federation in accordance with Article<br />
17 of the Constitution of ITF Ltd (Notice of Resolutions) and such resolution or one<br />
having the like effect shall be carried by a majority of two-thirds of the votes recorded<br />
in respect of the same.<br />
Any alteration so made shall take effect as from the first day of January<br />
following unless the Meeting shall by the like majority decide otherwise.<br />
The Board of Directors shall have power, however, to settle all urgent questions<br />
of interpretation subject to confirmation at the General Meeting next following.<br />
This Rule shall not be altered at any time without the unanimous consent of a<br />
General Meeting of the Council.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment: The ITF, not the <strong>USTA</strong>, is responsible for the Rules of<br />
Tennis. Amendments to the Rules of Tennis are made through the<br />
procedures of the ITF. Rule 69 of the ITF controls the manner in which<br />
amendments may be made to the Rules of Tennis. Amendments to <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Comments are made by the process described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIX.H.<br />
APPENDIX I<br />
THE BALL<br />
For all measurements in Appendix I, SI units shall take precedence.<br />
a. The ball shall have a uniform outer surface consisting of a fabric cover and<br />
shall be white or yellow in colour. If there are any seams they shall be<br />
stitchless.<br />
b. More than one type of ball is specified. The ball shall conform to the<br />
requirements shown in Table 1.<br />
TABLE 1. TENNIS BALL SPECIFIC<strong>AT</strong>ION<br />
TYPE 1 (FAST) TYPE 2 (MEDIUM) 1 TYPE 3 (SLOW) 2 HIGH ALTITUDE 3<br />
MASS 56.0-59.4 g. 56.0-59.4 g. 56.0-59.4 g. 56.0-59.4 g.<br />
(WEIGHT) (1.975-2.095 oz.) (1.975-2.095 oz.) (1.975-2.095 oz.) (1.975-2.095 oz.)<br />
SIZE 6.54-6.86 cm 6.54-6.86 cm 7.00-7.30 cm 6.54-6.86 cm<br />
(2.57-2.70 in.) (2.57-2.70 in.) (2.76-2.87 in.) (2.57-2.70 in.)<br />
REBOUND 135-147 cm 135-147 cm 135-147 cm 122-135 cm<br />
(53-58 in.) (53-58 in.) (53-58 in.) (48-53 in.)<br />
FORWARD 0.50-0.60 cm 0.56-0.74 cm 0.56-0.74 cm 0.56-0.74 cm<br />
DEFORM<strong>AT</strong>ION 4 (0.197-0.236 in.) (0.220-0.291 in.) (0.220-0.291 in.) (0.220-0.291 in.)<br />
RETURN 0.67-0.91 cm 0.80-1.08 cm 0.80-1.08 cm 0.80-1.08 cm<br />
DEFORM<strong>AT</strong>ION 4 (0.264-0.358 in.) (0.315-0.425 in.) (0.315-0.425 in.) (0.315-0.425 in.)<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 27
Notes:<br />
1 This ball may be pressurised or pressureless. The pressureless ball shall have an<br />
internal pressure that is no greater than 7 kPa (1 psi) and may be used for high<br />
altitude play above 1,219 m (4,000 feet) above sea level and shall have been<br />
acclimatised for 60 days or more at the altitude of the specific tournament.<br />
2 This ball is also re<strong>com</strong>mended for high altitude play on any court surface type above<br />
1,219 m (4,000 feet) above sea level.<br />
3 This ball is pressurised and is an additional ball specified for high altitude play above<br />
1,219 m (4,000 feet) above sea level only.<br />
4 The deformation shall be the average of a single reading along each of three<br />
perpendicular axes. No two individual readings shall differ by more than .08 cm (.031<br />
inches).<br />
c. In addition the ball shall conform to the requirements for durability as shown<br />
in the following table.<br />
Notes:<br />
1 The largest permissible change in the specified properties resulting from the<br />
durability test described in the current edition of ITF Approved Tennis Balls &<br />
Classified Court Surfaces. The durability test uses laboratory equipment to simulate<br />
the effects of nine games of play.<br />
d. All tests for rebound, mass, size, deformation and durability shall be made in<br />
accordance with the Regulations described in the current edition of ITF<br />
Approved Tennis Balls & Classified Court Surfaces.<br />
CLASSIFIC<strong>AT</strong>ION OF <strong>COURT</strong> PACE<br />
The ITF test method used for determining the pace of a court surface is ITF CS<br />
01/02 (ITF Court Pace Rating) as described in the ITF publication entitled “ITF guide<br />
to test methods for tennis court surfaces”.<br />
Court surfaces which have an ITF Court Pace Rating of 0 to 29 shall be classified<br />
as being Category 1 (slow pace). Examples of court surface types which conform to<br />
this classification will include most clay courts and other types of unbound mineral<br />
surface.<br />
Court surfaces which have an ITF Court Pace Rating of 30 to 34 shall be classified<br />
as being Category 2 (medium-slow pace), while court surfaces with an ITF Court Pace<br />
Rating of 35 to 39 shall be classified as being Category 3 (medium pace). Examples<br />
of court surface types which conform to this classification will include most acrylic<br />
coated surfaces plus some carpet surfaces.<br />
Court surfaces with an ITF Court Pace Rating of 40 to 44 shall be classified as<br />
being Category 4 (medium-fast pace), while court surfaces which have an ITF Court<br />
Pace Rating of 45 or more shall be classified as being Category 5 (fast pace). Examples<br />
28 RULES OF TENNIS<br />
FORWARD RETURN<br />
MASS (WEIGHT) REBOUND DEFORM<strong>AT</strong>ION DEFORM<strong>AT</strong>ION<br />
MAXIMUM 0.4 grams 4.0 cm 0.08 cm 0.10 cm<br />
CHANGE 1 (0.014 oz.) (1.6 inches) (0.031 inches) (0.039 inches)
of court surface types which conform to this classification will include most natural<br />
grass, artificial grass and some carpet surfaces.<br />
Case 1: Which ball type should be used on which court surface?<br />
Decision: 3 different types of balls are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis,<br />
however:<br />
a. Ball Type 1 (fast speed) is intended for play on slow pace court surfaces.<br />
b. Ball Type 2 (medium speed) is intended for play on medium-slow, medium,<br />
and medium-fast pace court surfaces.<br />
c. Ball Type 3 (slow speed) is intended for play on fast pace court surfaces.<br />
APPENDIX II<br />
THE RACKET<br />
For all measurements in Appendix II, SI units shall take precedence.<br />
a. The hitting surface, defined as the main area of the stringing pattern bordered<br />
by the points of entry of the strings into the frame or points of contact of the<br />
strings with the frame, whichever is the smaller, shall be flat and consist of a<br />
pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately interlaced or<br />
bonded where they cross. The stringing pattern must be generally uniform<br />
and, in particular, not less dense in the centre than in any other area.<br />
The racket shall be designed and strung such that the playing characteristics<br />
are identical on both faces. The racket shall be free of attached objects,<br />
protrusions and devices other than those utilised solely and specifically to<br />
limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration or, for the frame only, to distribute<br />
weight. These objects, protrusions and devices must be reasonable in size<br />
and placement for such purposes.<br />
b. The frame of the racket shall not exceed 73.7 cm (29.0 inches) in overall length,<br />
including the handle. The frame of the racket shall not exceed 31.7 cm (12.5<br />
inches) in overall width. The hitting surface shall not exceed 39.4 cm (15.5<br />
inches) in overall length, and 29.2 cm (11.5 inches) in overall width.<br />
c. The frame, including the handle, and the strings, shall be free of any device<br />
which makes it possible to change materially the shape of the racket, or to<br />
change materially the weight distribution in the direction of the longitudinal<br />
axis of the racket which would alter the swing moment of inertia, or to change<br />
deliberately any physical property which may affect the performance of the<br />
racket during the playing of a point. No energy source that in any way changes<br />
or affects the playing characteristics of a racket may be built into or attached<br />
to a racket.<br />
d. The racket must be free of any device that may provide <strong>com</strong>munication, advice<br />
or instruction of any kind, audible or visible, to a player during a match.<br />
APPENDIX III<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
1. Advertising is permitted on the net as long as it is placed on the part of the<br />
net that is within 3 feet (0.914 m) from the centre of the net posts and is<br />
produced in such a way that it does not interfere with the vision of the players<br />
or the playing conditions.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 29
2. Advertising and other marks or material placed at the back and sides of the<br />
court shall be permitted unless it interferes with the vision of the players or the<br />
playing conditions.<br />
3. Advertising and other marks or material placed on the court surface outside<br />
the lines is permitted unless it interferes with the vision of the players or the<br />
playing conditions.<br />
4. Notwithstanding paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) above, any advertising, marks or<br />
material placed on the net or placed at the back and sides of the court, or on<br />
the court surface outside the lines may not contain white or yellow or other<br />
light colours that may interfere with the vision of the players or the playing<br />
conditions.<br />
5. Advertising and other marks or material are not permitted on the court surface<br />
inside the lines of the court.<br />
APPENDIX IV<br />
ALTERN<strong>AT</strong>IVE PROCEDURES AND SCORING METHODS<br />
SCORE IN A GAME (Rule 5):<br />
“No-Ad” SCORING METHOD<br />
This alternative scoring method may be used.<br />
A no-ad game is scored as follows with the server’s score being called first:<br />
No point - “Love”<br />
First point - “15”<br />
Second point - “30”<br />
Third point - “40”<br />
Fourth point - “Game”<br />
If both players/teams have won three points each, the score is “deuce” and a<br />
deciding point shall be played. The receiver(s) shall choose whether to receive the<br />
service from the right half or the left half of the court. In doubles, the players of the<br />
receiving team cannot change positions to receive this deciding point. The player/team<br />
who wins the deciding point wins the “game”.<br />
In mixed doubles, the player of the same gender as the server shall receive the<br />
deciding point. The players of the receiving team cannot change positions to receive<br />
the deciding point.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment IV.1: <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.G.1. authorizes the Referee<br />
to switch to no-ad scoring before the start of any round without prior notice<br />
in all tournaments other than national junior tournaments after inclement<br />
weather or other factors cause the tournament to fall behind its published<br />
schedule.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment IV.2: Traditional scoring or numeric scoring may be used<br />
with the no-ad scoring method.<br />
30 RULES OF TENNIS
SCORE IN A SET (Rules 6 and 7):<br />
1. “SHORT” SETS<br />
The first player/team who wins four games wins that set, provided there is a<br />
margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches four games all, a tiebreak<br />
game shall be played.<br />
2. M<strong>AT</strong>CH TIE-BREAK (7 POINTS)<br />
When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets all in best of five sets<br />
matches, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break<br />
game replaces the deciding final set.<br />
The player/team who first wins seven points shall win this match tie-break and the<br />
match provided there is a margin of two points over the opponent(s).<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment IV.3: <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.E.1.b. prohibits the playing of a<br />
7-Point Tiebreak as the match tiebreak.<br />
3. M<strong>AT</strong>CH TIE-BREAK (10 POINTS)<br />
When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets all in best of five sets<br />
matches, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break<br />
game replaces the deciding final set.<br />
The player/team who first wins ten points shall win this match tie-break and the<br />
match provided there is a margin of two points over the opponent(s).<br />
Note: When using the match tie-break to replace the final set:<br />
• the original order of service continues. (Rules 5 and 14)<br />
• in doubles, the order of serving and receiving within the team may be<br />
altered, as in the beginning of each set. (Rules 14 and 15)<br />
• before the start of the match tie-break there shall be a 120 seconds set<br />
break.<br />
• balls should not be changed before the start of the match tie-break even<br />
if a ball change is due.<br />
CHANGE OF ENDS (Rule 10) (Coman Tie-Break):<br />
This alternative to the change of ends sequence in a tie-break game may be used.<br />
During a tie-break game, players shall change ends after the first point and<br />
thereafter after every four points.<br />
THE LET DURING A SERVICE (Rule 22):<br />
This alternative is play without the service let in Rule 22a.<br />
It means that a serve that touches the net, strap or band, is in play.<br />
(This alternative is <strong>com</strong>monly known as the “no let rule.”)<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment IV.4: If the previous set did not go to a tiebreak, under<br />
Rule 14 the order of service continues. If the previous set went to a<br />
tiebreak, under Rule 5 the player or team that was scheduled to serve first<br />
in the tiebreak receives first in the 10-Point Match Tiebreak.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 31
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment IV.5: <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.E.1.b. authorizes the<br />
10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of a deciding final set. <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
III.G.2. explains when the Referee may switch the match format to a<br />
10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of a deciding final set.<br />
Table 18 lists the <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships in which the<br />
10-Point Match Tiebreak is played in lieu of a deciding final set. If there is<br />
inclement weather, health concerns, or safety concerns, the Director of Junior<br />
Competition or the Director’s Designee may authorize the Referee to play a<br />
10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of a deciding final set at <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National<br />
Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
IX.A.7.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XI.A.2.h. explains when 10-Point Match Tiebreaks may<br />
be played in lieu of a deciding final set at <strong>USTA</strong> Adult and Senior National<br />
Championships. <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIII.A.3.h. explains when 10-Point Match<br />
Tiebreaks may be played in lieu of a deciding final set at <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
National Championships.<br />
32 RULES OF TENNIS<br />
APPENDIX V<br />
ROLE OF <strong>COURT</strong> OFFICIALS<br />
The Referee is the final authority on all questions of tennis law and the Referee’s<br />
decision is final.<br />
In matches where a Chair Umpire is assigned, the Chair Umpire is the final<br />
authority on all questions of fact during the match.<br />
The players have the right to call the Referee to court if they disagree with a Chair<br />
Umpire’s interpretation of tennis law.<br />
In matches where Line Umpires and Net Umpires are assigned, they make all calls<br />
(including foot-fault calls) relating to that line or net. The Chair Umpire has the right<br />
to overrule a Line Umpire or a Net Umpire if the Chair Umpire is sure that a clear<br />
mistake has been made. The Chair Umpire is responsible for calling any line (including<br />
foot-faults) or net where no Line Umpire or Net Umpire is assigned.<br />
A Line Umpire who cannot make a call shall signal this immediately to the Chair<br />
Umpire who shall make a decision. If the Line Umpire can not make a call, or if there<br />
is no Line Umpire, and the Chair Umpire can not make a decision on a question of fact,<br />
the point shall be replayed.<br />
In team events where the Referee is sitting on-court, the Referee is also the final<br />
authority on questions of fact.<br />
Play may be stopped or suspended at any time the Chair Umpire decides it is<br />
necessary or appropriate.<br />
The Referee may also stop or suspend play in the case of darkness, weather or<br />
adverse court conditions. When play is suspended for darkness, this should be<br />
done at the end of a set, or after an even number of games have been played in the<br />
set in progress. After a suspension in play, the score and position of players oncourt<br />
in the match shall stand when the match resumes.<br />
The Chair Umpire or Referee shall make decisions regarding continuous play and
coaching in respect of any Code of Conduct that is approved and in operation.<br />
Case 1: The Chair Umpire awards the server a first service after an overrule, but<br />
the receiver argues that it should be a second service, since the server had already<br />
served a fault. Should the Referee be called to court to give a decision?<br />
Decision: Yes. The Chair Umpire makes the first decision about questions of tennis<br />
law (issues relating to the application of specific facts). However, if a player appeals<br />
the Chair Umpire’s decision, then the Referee shall be called to make the final decision.<br />
Case 2: A ball is called out, but a player claims that the ball was good. May the<br />
Referee be called to court to make a decision?<br />
Decision: No. The Chair Umpire makes the final decision on questions of fact<br />
(issues relating to what actually happened during a specific incident).<br />
Case 3: Is a Chair Umpire allowed to overrule a Line Umpire at the end of a point<br />
if, in the Chair Umpire’s opinion, a clear mistake was made earlier in the point?<br />
Decision: No. A Chair Umpire may only overrule a Line Umpire immediately after<br />
the clear mistake has been made.<br />
Case 4: A Line Umpire calls a ball “Out” and then the player argues that the ball<br />
was good. Is the Chair Umpire allowed to overrule the Line Umpire?<br />
Decision: No. A Chair Umpire must never overrule as the result of the protest or<br />
appeal by a player.<br />
Case 5: A Line Umpire calls a ball “Out”. The Chair Umpire was unable to see<br />
clearly, but thought the ball was in. May the Chair Umpire overrule the Line Umpire?<br />
Decision: No. The Chair Umpire may only overrule when sure that the Line Umpire<br />
made a clear mistake.<br />
Case 6: Is a Line Umpire allowed to change the call after the Chair Umpire has<br />
announced the score?<br />
Decision: Yes. If a Line Umpire realises a mistake, a correction should be made as<br />
soon as possible provided it is not as the result of a protest or appeal of a player.<br />
Case 7: If a Chair Umpire or Line Umpire calls “out” and then corrects the call to<br />
good, what is the correct decision?<br />
Decision: The Chair Umpire must decide if the original “out” call was a<br />
hindrance to either player. If it was a hindrance, the point shall be replayed. If it was<br />
not a hindrance, the player who hit the ball wins the point.<br />
Case 8: A ball is blown back over the net and the player correctly reaches over the<br />
net to try to play the ball. The opponent(s) hinders the player from doing this. What<br />
is the correct decision?<br />
Decision: The Chair Umpire must decide if the hindrance was deliberate or<br />
unintentional and either awards the point to the hindered player or order the point to<br />
be replayed.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment V.1: What is the difference between a “question of<br />
fact” and a “question of law”? “Questions of fact” involve whether a specific<br />
event happened. Examples include whether a ball is in, whether a ball<br />
touched a player, whether a ball bounced twice, and whether a server’s foot<br />
touched the baseline before the serve was struck. “Questions of law”<br />
involve the application of the rules or regulations to facts that have already<br />
been determined. Examples include determining whether an act was a<br />
hindrance; whether a player should have been assessed a code violation for<br />
misconduct; and the procedure for correcting errors in serving order,<br />
serving and receiving position, and ends.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 33
BALL MARK INSPECTION PROCEDURES<br />
1. Ball mark inspections can only be made on clay courts.<br />
2. A ball mark inspection requested by a player (team) shall be allowed only if the<br />
Chair Umpire cannot determine the call with certainty from his/her chair on<br />
either a point-ending shot or when a player (team) stops playing the point<br />
during a rally (returns are permitted but then the player must immediately stop).<br />
3. When the Chair Umpire has decided to make a ball mark inspection, he/she<br />
should go down from the chair and make the inspection himself. If he/she<br />
does not know where the mark is, he/she can ask the Line Umpire for help<br />
in locating the mark, but then the Chair Umpire shall inspect it.<br />
4. The original call or overrule will always stand if the Line Umpire and Chair<br />
Umpire cannot determine the location of the mark or if the mark is unreadable.<br />
5. Once the Chair Umpire has identified and ruled on a ball mark, this decision<br />
is final and not appealable.<br />
6. In clay court tennis the Chair Umpire should not be too quick to announce<br />
the score unless absolutely certain of the call. If in doubt, wait before calling<br />
the score to determine whether a ball mark inspection is necessary.<br />
7. In doubles the appealing player must make his/her appeal in such a way<br />
that either play stops or the Chair Umpire stops play. If an appeal is made<br />
to the Chair Umpire then he/she must first determine that the correct appeal<br />
procedure was followed. If it was not correct or if it was late, then the Chair<br />
Umpire may determine that the opposing team was deliberately hindered.<br />
8. If a player erases the ball mark before the Chair Umpire has made a final<br />
decision, he/she concedes the call.<br />
9. A player may not cross the net to check a ball mark without being subject<br />
to the Unsportsmanlike provision of the Code of Conduct.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment: See FAC Comment VII.C-6 for additional procedures.<br />
ELECTRONIC REVIEW PROCEDURES<br />
At tournaments where an Electronic Review System is used, the following<br />
procedures should be followed for matches on courts where it is used.<br />
1. A request for an Electronic Review of a line call or overrule by a player (team)<br />
shall be allowed only on either a point-ending shot or when a player (team)<br />
stops playing the point during a rally (returns are permitted but then the<br />
player must immediately stop).<br />
2. The Chair Umpire should decide to use the Electronic Review when there is<br />
doubt about the accuracy of the line call or overrule. However, the Chair<br />
Umpire may refuse the Electronic Review if he/she believes that the player is<br />
making an unreasonable request or that it was not made in a timely manner.<br />
3. In doubles the appealing player must make his/her appeal in such a way that<br />
either play stops or the Chair Umpire stops play. If an appeal is made to the<br />
Chair Umpire then he/she must first determine that the correct appeal<br />
procedure was followed. If it was not correct or if it was late, then the Chair<br />
Umpire may determine that the opposing team was deliberately hindered, in<br />
which case the appealing team loses the point.<br />
4. The original call or overrule will always stand if the Electronic Review is<br />
unable, for whatever reason, to make a decision on that line call or overrule.<br />
34 RULES OF TENNIS
5. The Chair Umpire’s final decision will be the out<strong>com</strong>e of the Electronic Review<br />
and is not appealable. If a manual choice is required for the system to review<br />
a particular ball impact, a review official approved by the Referee shall decide<br />
which ball impact is reviewed.<br />
6. Each player (team) is allowed three (3) unsuccessful appeals per set, plus<br />
one (1) additional appeal in the tie-break. For matches with advantage sets,<br />
players (teams) will start again with a maximum of 3 unsuccessful appeals<br />
at 6 games all and every 12 games thereafter. For matches with match tiebreak,<br />
the match tie-break counts as a new set and each player (team) starts<br />
with three (3) appeals. Players (teams) will have an unlimited number of<br />
successful appeals.<br />
APPENDIX VI<br />
OFFICIAL 10 AND UNDER TENNIS COMPETITION<br />
<strong>COURT</strong>S<br />
In addition to a full sized court, the following court dimensions may be used for<br />
official <strong>com</strong>petitive play involving players aged 10 and under:<br />
• A court, designated “red” for the purpose of 10 and under <strong>com</strong>petition, shall<br />
be a rectangle, between 36 feet (10.97 m) and 42 feet (12.80 m) long, and<br />
between 16 feet (4.88 m) and 19 feet (5.79 m) wide. The net shall be 31.5<br />
inches (0.80 m) high at the centre.<br />
• A court, designated “orange”, shall be a rectangle, 60 feet (18.29 m) long,<br />
and between 21 feet (6.40 m) and 27 feet (8.23 m) wide. The net shall be<br />
between 31.5 inches (0.80 m) and 36.0 inches (0.914 m) high at the centre.<br />
BALLS<br />
The following ball types are re<strong>com</strong>mended for players aged 10 and under:<br />
• A stage 3 (red) ball is re<strong>com</strong>mended for play on a “red” court.<br />
• A stage 2 (orange) ball is re<strong>com</strong>mended for play on an “orange” court.<br />
• A stage 1 (green) ball is re<strong>com</strong>mended for play on a full sized court.<br />
The properties of stage 3, stage 2 and stage 1 balls are described in the ITF<br />
publication entitled “ITF approved tennis balls & classified court surfaces”.<br />
SCORING METHODS<br />
For <strong>com</strong>petition involving players aged 10 and under using stage 3 (red), stage 2<br />
(orange) or stage 1 (green) balls, scoring methods specified in the Rules of Tennis<br />
(including the Appendix) can be utilised, in addition to short duration scoring methods<br />
involving matches of one match tie-break, best of 3 tie-breaks/match tie-breaks or<br />
one set.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 35
APPENDIX VII<br />
PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW AND HEARINGS ON THE RULES OF TENNIS<br />
1. INTRODUCTION<br />
1.1 These procedures were approved by the Board of Directors of the<br />
International Tennis Federation (“Board of Directors”) on 17 May 1998.<br />
1.2 The Board of Directors may from time to time supplement, amend, or vary<br />
these procedures.<br />
2. OBJECTIVES<br />
2.1 The International Tennis Federation is the custodian of the Rules of Tennis<br />
and is <strong>com</strong>mitted to:<br />
a. Preserving the traditional character and integrity of the game of tennis.<br />
b. Actively preserving the skills traditionally required to play the game.<br />
c. Encouraging improvements, which maintain the challenge of the game.<br />
d. Ensuring fair <strong>com</strong>petition.<br />
2.2 To ensure fair, consistent and expeditious review and hearings in relation to<br />
the Rules of Tennis the procedures set out below shall apply.<br />
3. SCOPE<br />
3.1 These Procedures shall apply to Rulings under:<br />
a. Rule 1—The Court.<br />
b. Rule 3—The Ball.<br />
c. Rule 4—The Racket.<br />
d. Appendix I and II of the Rules of Tennis.<br />
e. Any other Rules of Tennis which the International Tennis Federation may<br />
decide.<br />
4. STRUCTURE<br />
4.1 Under these procedures Rulings shall be issued by a Ruling Board.<br />
4.2 Such Rulings shall be final save, for an entitlement to appeal to an Appeal<br />
Tribunal pursuant to these procedures.<br />
5. APPLIC<strong>AT</strong>ION<br />
5.1 Rulings shall be taken either:<br />
a. Following a motion of the Board of Directors; or<br />
b. Upon the receipt of an application in accordance with the procedures set<br />
out below.<br />
6. APPOINTMENT AND COMPOSITION OF RULING BOARDS<br />
6.1 Ruling Boards shall be appointed by the President of the International Tennis<br />
Federation (“President”) or his designee and shall <strong>com</strong>prise of such a number, as the<br />
President or his designee shall determine.<br />
6.2 If more than one person is appointed to the Ruling Board the Ruling<br />
Board shall nominate one person from amongst themselves to act as Chairperson.<br />
36 RULES OF TENNIS
6.3 The Chairperson shall be entitled to regulate the procedures prior to and at<br />
any review and/or hearing of a Ruling Board.<br />
7. PROPOSED RULINGS BY THE RULING BOARD<br />
7.1 The details of any proposed Ruling issued upon the motion of the Board of<br />
Directors may be provided to any bona fide person or any players, equipment<br />
manufacturer or national association or members thereof with an interest in the<br />
proposed Ruling.<br />
7.2 Any person so notified shall be given a reasonable period within which to<br />
forward <strong>com</strong>ments, objections, or requests for information to the President or his<br />
designee in connection with the proposed Ruling.<br />
8. APPLIC<strong>AT</strong>ION FOR RULINGS<br />
8.1 An application for a Ruling may be made by any party with a bona fide<br />
interest in the Ruling including any player, equipment manufacturer or national<br />
association or member thereof.<br />
8.2 Any application for a Ruling must be submitted in writing to the President.<br />
8.3 To be valid an application for a Ruling must include the following minimum<br />
information:<br />
a. The full name and address of the Applicant.<br />
b. The date of the application.<br />
c. A statement clearly identifying the interest of the Applicant in the<br />
question upon which a Ruling is requested.<br />
d. All relevant documentary evidence upon which the Applicant intends to<br />
rely at any hearing.<br />
e. If, in the opinion of the Applicant, expert evidence is necessary he shall<br />
include a request for such expert evidence to be heard. Such request<br />
must identify the name of any expert proposed and their relevant<br />
expertise.<br />
f. When an application for a Ruling on a racket or other piece of equipment<br />
is made, a prototype or, exact, copy of the equipment in question must<br />
be submitted with the application for a Ruling.<br />
g. If, in the opinion of the Applicant, there are extraordinary or unusual<br />
circumstances, which require a Ruling to be made within a specified time<br />
or before a specified date he shall include a statement describing the<br />
extraordinary or unusual circumstances.<br />
8.4 If an application for a Ruling does not contain the information and/or<br />
equipment referred to at Clause 8.3 (a)-(g) above the President or his designee<br />
shall notify the Applicant giving the Applicant a specified reasonable time within which<br />
to remedy the defect. If the Applicant fails to remedy the defect within the specified<br />
time the application shall be dismissed.<br />
9. CONVENING THE RULING BOARD<br />
9.1 On receipt of a valid application or on the motion of the Board of Directors<br />
the President or his designee may convene a Ruling Board to deal with the application<br />
or motion.<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 37
9.2 The Ruling Board need not hold a hearing to deal with an application or<br />
motion where the application or motion, in the opinion of the Chairperson can be<br />
resolved in a fair manner without a hearing.<br />
10. PROCEDURE OF THE RULING BOARD<br />
10.1 The Chairperson of a Ruling Board shall determine the appropriate form,<br />
procedure and date of any review and/or hearing.<br />
10.2 The Chairperson shall provide written notice of those matters set out at 10.1<br />
above to any Applicant or any person or association who has expressed an interest<br />
in the proposed Ruling.<br />
10.3 The Chairperson shall determine all matters relating to evidence and shall not<br />
be bound by judicial rules governing procedure and admissibility of evidence provided<br />
that the review and/or hearing is conducted in a fair manner with a reasonable<br />
opportunity for the relevant parties to present their case.<br />
10.4 Under these procedures any review and/or hearings:<br />
a. Shall take place in private.<br />
b. May be adjourned and/or postponed by the Ruling Board.<br />
10.5 The Chairperson shall have the discretion to co-opt from time to time<br />
additional members onto the Ruling Board with special skill or experience to deal with<br />
specific issues, which require such special skill or experience.<br />
10.6 The Ruling Board shall take its decision by a simple majority. No member<br />
of the Ruling Board may abstain.<br />
10.7 The Chairperson shall have the <strong>com</strong>plete discretion to make such order<br />
against the Applicant [and/or other individuals or organisations <strong>com</strong>menting<br />
objecting or requesting information at any review and/or hearing] in relation to the<br />
costs of the application and/or the reasonable expenses incurred by the Ruling<br />
Board in holding tests or obtaining reports relating to equipment subject to a Ruling<br />
as he shall deem appropriate.<br />
11. NOTIFIC<strong>AT</strong>ION<br />
11.1 Once a Ruling Board has reached a decision it shall provide written notice<br />
to the Applicant, or, any person or association who has expressed an interest in the<br />
proposed Ruling as soon as reasonably practicable.<br />
11.2 Such written notice shall include a summary of the reasoning behind the<br />
decision of the Ruling Board.<br />
11.3 Upon notification to the Applicant or upon such other date specified by the<br />
Ruling Board the Ruling of the Ruling Board shall be immediately binding under the<br />
Rules of Tennis.<br />
12. APPLIC<strong>AT</strong>ION OF CURRENT RULES OF TENNIS<br />
12.1 Subject to the power of the Ruling Board to issue interim Rulings the<br />
current Rules of Tennis shall continue to apply until any review and/or hearing of<br />
the Ruling Board is concluded and a Ruling issued by the Ruling Board.<br />
12.2 Prior to and during any review and/or hearing the Chairperson of the Ruling<br />
Board may issue such directions as are deemed reasonably necessary in the<br />
implementation of the Rules of Tennis and of these procedures including the issue of<br />
interim Rulings.<br />
38 RULES OF TENNIS
12.3 Such interim Rulings may include restraining orders on the use of any<br />
equipment under the Rules of Tennis pending a Ruling by the Ruling Board as to<br />
whether or not the equipment meets the specification of the Rules of Tennis.<br />
13. APPOINTMENT AND COMPOSITION OF APPEAL TRIBUNALS<br />
13.1 Appeal Tribunals shall be appointed by the President or his designee from<br />
[members of the Board of Directors/Technical Commission].<br />
13.2 No member of the Ruling Board who made the original Ruling shall be a<br />
member of the Appeal Tribunal.<br />
13.3 The Appeal Tribunal shall <strong>com</strong>prise of such number as the President or his<br />
designee shall determine but shall be no less than three.<br />
13.4 The Appeal Tribunal shall nominate one person from amongst themselves<br />
to act as Chairperson.<br />
13.5 The Chairperson shall be entitled to regulate the procedures prior to and at<br />
any appeal hearing.<br />
14. APPLIC<strong>AT</strong>ION TO APPEAL<br />
14.1 An Applicant [or a person or association who has expressed an interest and<br />
forwarded any <strong>com</strong>ments, objections, or requests to a proposed Ruling] may appeal<br />
any Ruling of the Ruling Board.<br />
14.2 To be valid an application for an appeal must be:<br />
a. Made in writing to the Chairperson of the Ruling Board who made<br />
the Ruling appealed not later than [45] days following notification of the Ruling;<br />
b. Must set out details of the Ruling appealed against; and<br />
c. Must contain the full grounds of the appeal.<br />
14.3 Upon receipt of a valid application to appeal the Chairperson of the Ruling<br />
Board making the original Ruling may require a reasonable appeal fee to be paid<br />
by the Appellant as a condition of appeal. Such appeal fee shall be repaid to the<br />
Appellant if the appeal is successful.<br />
15. CONVENING THE APPEAL TRIBUNAL<br />
15.1 The President or his designee shall convene the Appeal Tribunal following<br />
payment by the Appellant of any appeal fee.<br />
16. PROCEDURES OF APPEAL TRIBUNAL<br />
16.1 The Appeal Tribunal and their Chairperson shall conduct procedures and<br />
hearings in accordance with those matters set out in sections 10, 11 and 12 above.<br />
16.2 Upon notification to the Appellant or upon such other date specified by the<br />
Appeal Tribunal the Ruling of the Appeal Tribunal shall be immediately binding and final<br />
under the Rules of Tennis.<br />
17. GENERAL<br />
17.1 If a Ruling Board consists of only one member that single member shall<br />
be responsible for regulating the hearing as Chairperson and shall determine the<br />
procedures to be followed prior to and during any review and/or hearing.<br />
17.2 All review and/or hearings shall be conducted in English. In any hearing<br />
where an Applicant, and/or other individuals or organisations <strong>com</strong>menting,<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 39
objecting or requesting information do not speak English an interpreter must be<br />
present. Wherever practicable the interpreter shall be independent.<br />
17.3 The Ruling Board or Appeal Tribunal may publish extracts from its own<br />
Rulings.<br />
17.4 All notifications to be made pursuant to these procedures shall be in writing.<br />
17.5 Any notifications made pursuant to these procedures shall be deemed<br />
notified upon the date that they were <strong>com</strong>municated, sent or transmitted to the<br />
Applicant or other relevant party.<br />
17.6 A Ruling Board shall have the discretion to dismiss an application if in its<br />
reasonable opinion the application is substantially similar to an application or motion<br />
upon which a Ruling Board has made a decision and/or Ruling within the 36 months<br />
prior to the date of the application.<br />
40 RULES OF TENNIS
78'0" 23.77m)<br />
PLAN OF THE <strong>COURT</strong><br />
Note: All court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines.<br />
Fig. 1<br />
Baseline<br />
36'0'' (10.97m)<br />
Serviceline<br />
3'0" (.914m) Net<br />
Net<br />
3'0"(.914m)<br />
➤<br />
➤<br />
• •<br />
• •<br />
➤<br />
Net post<br />
Doubles sideline<br />
Singles stick<br />
Singles sideline<br />
➤<br />
➤<br />
Centre mark<br />
21'0" (6.40m)<br />
Centre serviceline<br />
Serviceline<br />
27'0" (8.23m)<br />
Centre Mark<br />
➤<br />
Singles sideline<br />
Singles stick<br />
4'6" (1.37m) Baseline<br />
4'6" (1.37m)<br />
➤<br />
➤<br />
Doubles sideline<br />
Net post<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 41
36'0" (10.97m)<br />
Note: All court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines.<br />
The following procedure is for the usual <strong>com</strong>bined doubles and singles court.<br />
(See note at foot for a court for one purpose only.)<br />
First select the position of the net; a straight line 42 feet (12.80 m) long. Mark the<br />
centre (X on the diagram above) and, measuring from there in each direction, mark:<br />
at 13'6" (4.11 m) the points a, b, where the net crosses the inner sidelines,<br />
at 16'6" (5.03 m) the positions of the singles sticks (n, n),<br />
at 18'0" (5.48 m) the points A, B, where the net crosses the outer sidelines,<br />
at 21'0" (6.40 m) the positions of the net posts (N, N), being the ends of the<br />
original 42'0" (12.80 m) line.<br />
Insert pegs at A and B and attach to them the respective ends of two measuring<br />
tapes. On one, which will measure the diagonal of the half-court,take a length 53'1"<br />
(16.18 m) and on the other (to measure the sideline) a length of 39'0" (11.89 m). Pull<br />
both taut so that at these distances they meet at a point C, which is one corner of the<br />
court. Reverse the measurements to find the other corner D. As a check on this<br />
operation it is advisable at this stage to verify the length of the line CD which, being<br />
the baseline, should be found to be 36'0" (10.97m); and at the same time its centre J<br />
can be marked, and also the ends of the inner sidelines (c, d), 4'6" (1.37 m) from C<br />
and D.<br />
The centreline and serviceline are now marked by means of the points F, H, G,<br />
which are measured 21'0" (6.40 m) from the net down the lines bc, XJ, ad, respectively.<br />
Identical procedure the other side of the net <strong>com</strong>pletes the court.<br />
If a singles court only is required, no lines are necessary outside the points a, b,<br />
42 RULES OF TENNIS<br />
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO MARK OUT A <strong>COURT</strong><br />
N•<br />
A D<br />
n<br />
a G 4'6" (1.37m) ➔<br />
d<br />
Net<br />
21'0" (6.40m)<br />
X H J<br />
Centre Serviceline<br />
b<br />
n<br />
B<br />
N<br />
•<br />
Serviceline<br />
Singles sideline<br />
F<br />
Doubles sideline<br />
39'0" (11.885m)<br />
Fig. 2<br />
53'1" (16.18m)<br />
Baseline<br />
c<br />
C
c, d, but the court can be measured out as above. Alternatively, the corners of the<br />
baseline (c, d) can be found if preferred by pegging the two tapes at a and b instead<br />
of at A and B, and by then using lengths of 47'5" (14.46 m) and 39'0" (11.89 m). The<br />
net posts will be at n, n, and a 33'0" (10 m) singles net should be used.<br />
When a <strong>com</strong>bined doubles and singles court with a doubles net is used for<br />
singles, the net must be supported at the points n, n, to a height of 3 feet 6 inches<br />
(1.07 m) by means of two singles sticks, which shall be not more than 3 inches<br />
(7.5 cm) square or 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The centres of the singles sticks<br />
shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the singles court on each side.<br />
To assist in the placing of these singles sticks it is desirable that the points n, n,<br />
should each be shown with a white dot when the court is marked.<br />
Note: As a guide for international <strong>com</strong>petitions, the re<strong>com</strong>mended minimum<br />
distance between the baselines and the backstops should be 21 feet (6.40 m) and<br />
between the sidelines and the sidestops the re<strong>com</strong>mended minimum distance<br />
should be 12 feet (3.66 m).<br />
As a guide for recreational and Club play, the re<strong>com</strong>mended minimum distance<br />
between the baselines and the backstops should be 18 feet (5.48 m) and between<br />
the sidelines and the sidestops the re<strong>com</strong>mended minimum distance should be<br />
10 feet (3.05 m).<br />
As a guide, the re<strong>com</strong>mended minimum top height to the ceiling should be 30 feet<br />
(9.14 m).<br />
RULES OF TENNIS 43
If you have a rules problem, send full details, enclosing a stamped selfaddressed<br />
envelope, to <strong>USTA</strong> Tennis Rules and Regulations Committee, c/o<br />
Officials Department, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604-3602.<br />
44 RULES OF TENNIS<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Comment L.1: Tennis Court Layout<br />
All courts should be laid out for singles and doubles play. The same<br />
lines—except for the sideline extensions for doubles play—are required<br />
for each.<br />
Courts in the northern two-thirds of the United States should generally<br />
be laid out with the long axis north and south; it is advantageous, however,<br />
to orient the courts in the southern one-third of the country 15°-25° west<br />
of true (not magnetic) north in order to minimize the adverse effects of the<br />
afternoon winter sun.<br />
Figure 1 indicates the exact dimensions of the lines as well as<br />
re<strong>com</strong>mended side and back spacing. Note that the dimensions shown in<br />
the diagram are measurements to the outside edge of the lines. For<br />
regulation play, the space behind the baseline (between the baseline and<br />
fence) should not be less than 21 feet, for an overall dimension of 60' x<br />
120'. For stadium courts, this perimeter spacing should be increased to<br />
allow space for Line Umpires without impeding the players. Net posts<br />
should be located with their centers three feet outside the doubles sideline.<br />
Most courts are laid out with lines two inches (2") wide. Lines may be one<br />
inch (1") to two inches (2") wide excepting the center service line which must<br />
be two inches (2") wide and the baselines which may be up to four inches<br />
(4") wide.<br />
For more detailed information on the subject, Tennis Courts, a book<br />
containing United States Tennis Association and American Sports Builders<br />
Association re<strong>com</strong>mendations for the construction, maintenance, and<br />
equipment needs of a tennis court installation, can be obtained by calling<br />
866-501-ASBA.
PART 2—THE CODE<br />
THE PLAYERS’ GUIDE FOR M<strong>AT</strong>CHES WHEN OFFICIALS<br />
ARE NOT PRESENT<br />
PREFACE<br />
When your serve hits your partner stationed at the net, is it a let, fault, or loss of<br />
point? Likewise, what is the ruling when your serve, before touching the ground,<br />
hits an opponent who is standing back of the baseline. The answers to these<br />
questions are obvious to anyone who knows the fundamentals of tennis, but it is<br />
surprising the number of players who don’t know these fundamentals. All players<br />
have a responsibility to be familiar with the basic rules and customs of tennis.<br />
Further, it can be distressing when a player makes a decision in accordance with a<br />
rule and the opponent protests with the remark: “Well, I never heard of that rule<br />
before!” Ignorance of the rules constitutes a delinquency on the part of a player and<br />
often spoils an otherwise good match.<br />
What is written here constitutes the essentials of The Code, a summary of<br />
procedures and unwritten rules that custom and tradition dictate all players should<br />
follow. No system of rules will cover every specific problem or situation that may<br />
arise. If players of good will follow the principles of The Code, they should always<br />
be able to reach an agreement, while at the same time making tennis more fun and<br />
a better game for all. The principles set forth in The Code shall apply in cases not<br />
specifically covered by the ITF Rules of Tennis and <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations.<br />
Before reading this you might well ask yourself: Since we have a book that<br />
contains all the rules of tennis, why do we need a code? Isn’t it sufficient to know<br />
and understand all the rules? There are a number of things not specifically set forth<br />
in the rules that are covered by custom and tradition only. For example, if you have<br />
a doubt on a line call, your opponent gets the benefit of the doubt. Can you find that<br />
in the rules? Further, custom dictates the standard procedures that players will use<br />
in reaching decisions. These are the reasons we need a code.<br />
—Col. Nick Powel<br />
Note: The Code is not part of the official ITF Rules of Tennis. Players shall follow The<br />
Code in all unofficiated matches. Many of the principles also apply when officials<br />
are present. This edition of The Code is an adaptation of the original, which was<br />
written by Colonel Nicolas E. Powel.<br />
PRINCIPLES<br />
1. Courtesy. Tennis is a game that requires cooperation and Courtesy from all<br />
participants. Make tennis a fun game by praising your opponents’ good shots and<br />
by not:<br />
• Conducting loud postmortems after points;<br />
• Complaining about shots like lobs and drop shots;<br />
• Embarrassing a weak opponent by being overly gracious or<br />
condescending;<br />
• Losing your temper, using vile language, throwing your racket, or<br />
slamming a ball in anger; or<br />
• Sulking when you are losing.<br />
2. Counting points played in good faith. All points played in good faith stand.<br />
THE CODE 45
For example, if after losing a point, a player discovers that the net was four inches<br />
too high, the point stands. If a point is played from the wrong court, there is no<br />
replay. If during a point, a player realizes that a mistake was made at the beginning<br />
(for example, service from the wrong court), the player shall continue playing the<br />
point. Corrective action may be taken only after a point has been <strong>com</strong>pleted.<br />
Shaking hands at end of the match is an acknowledgment by the players that<br />
the match is over.<br />
THE WARM-UP<br />
3. Warm-up is not practice. A player should provide the opponent a<br />
5-minute warm-up (ten minutes if there are no ballpersons). If a player refuses to warm<br />
up the opponent, the player forfeits the right to a warm-up. Some players confuse<br />
warm-up and practice. Each player should make a special effort to hit shots directly<br />
to the opponent. (If partners want to warm each other up while their opponents are<br />
warming up, they may do so.)<br />
4. Warm-up serves and returns. A player should take all warm-up serves before<br />
the first serve of the match. A player who returns serves should return them at a<br />
moderate pace in a manner that does not disrupt the Server.<br />
MAKING CALLS<br />
5. Player makes calls on own side of the net. A player calls all shots landing<br />
on, or aimed at, the player’s side of the net.<br />
6. Opponent gets benefit of doubt. When a match is played without officials, the<br />
players are responsible for making decisions, particularly for line calls. There is a<br />
subtle difference between player decisions and those of an on-court official. An<br />
official impartially resolves a problem involving a call, whereas a player is guided by<br />
the unwritten law that any doubt must be resolved in favor of the opponent. A player<br />
in attempting to be scrupulously honest on line calls frequently will find himself<br />
keeping a ball in play that might have been out or that the player discovers too late<br />
was out. Even so, the game is much better played this way.<br />
7. Ball touching any part of line is good. If any part of the ball touches the line,<br />
the ball is good. A ball 99% out is still 100% good.<br />
8. Ball that cannot be called out is good. Any ball that cannot be called out is<br />
considered to have been good. A player may not claim a let on the basis of not seeing<br />
a ball. One of tennis’ most infuriating moments occurs after a long hard rally when a<br />
player makes a clean placement and the opponent says: “I’m not sure if it was good or<br />
out. Let’s play a let.” Remember, it is each player’s responsibility to call all balls landing<br />
on, or aimed at, the player’s side of the net. If a ball can’t be called out with certainty, it<br />
is good. When you say your opponent’s shot was really out but you offer to replay the<br />
point to give your opponent a break, you are deluding yourself because you must have<br />
had some doubt.<br />
9. Calls when looking across a line or when far away. The call of a player looking<br />
down a line is much more likely to be accurate than that of a player looking across a<br />
line. When you are looking across a line, don’t call a ball out unless you can clearly<br />
see part of the court between where the ball hit and the line. It is difficult for a player<br />
who stands on one baseline to question a call on a ball that landed near the other<br />
baseline.<br />
10. Treat all points the same regardless of their importance. All points in a match<br />
should be treated the same. There is no justification for considering a match point<br />
differently than the first point.<br />
46 THE CODE
11. Requesting opponent’s help. When an opponent’s opinion is requested and<br />
the opponent gives a positive opinion, it must be accepted. If neither player has an<br />
opinion, the ball is considered good. Aid from an opponent is available only on a call<br />
that ends a point.<br />
12. Out calls corrected. If a player mistakenly calls a ball “out” and then realizes<br />
it was good, the point shall be replayed if the player returned the ball within the<br />
proper court. Nonetheless, if the player’s return of the ball results in a “weak sitter,”<br />
the player should give the opponent the point. If the player failed to make the return,<br />
the opponent wins the point. If the mistake was made on the second serve, the<br />
Server is entitled to two serves.<br />
13. Player calls own shots out. With the exception of the first serve, a player<br />
should call against himself or herself any ball the player clearly sees out regardless<br />
of whether requested to do so by the opponent. The prime objective in making calls<br />
is accuracy. All players should cooperate to attain this objective.<br />
14. Partners’ disagreement on calls. If one partner calls the ball out and the<br />
other partner sees the ball good, they shall call it good. It is more important to give<br />
your opponents the benefit of the doubt than to avoid possibly hurting your<br />
partner’s feelings. The tactful way to achieve the desired result is to tell your partner<br />
quietly of the mistake and then let your partner concede the point. If a call is changed<br />
from out to good, the principles of Code §12 apply.<br />
15. Audible or visible calls. No matter how obvious it is to a player that the<br />
opponent’s ball is out, the opponent is entitled to a prompt audible or visible out<br />
call.<br />
16. Opponent’s calls questioned. When a player genuinely doubts an opponent’s<br />
call, the player may ask: “Are you sure of your call?” If the opponent reaffirms that<br />
the ball was out, the call shall be accepted. If the opponent acknowledges uncertainty,<br />
the opponent loses the point. There shall be no further delay or discussion.<br />
17. Spectators never to make calls. A player shall not enlist the aid of a spectator<br />
in making a call. No spectator has a part in the match.<br />
18. Prompt calls eliminate two chance option. A player shall make all calls<br />
promptly after the ball has hit the court. A call shall be made either before the player’s<br />
return shot has gone out of play or before the opponent has had the opportunity to<br />
play the return shot.<br />
Prompt calls will quickly eliminate the “two chances to win the point” option<br />
that some players practice. To illustrate, a player is advancing to the net for an easy<br />
put away and sees a ball from an adjoining court rolling toward the court. The player<br />
continues to advance and hits the shot, only to have the supposed easy put away<br />
fly over the baseline. The player then claims a let. The claim is not valid because the<br />
player forfeited the right to call a let by choosing instead to play the ball. The player<br />
took a chance to win or lose and is not entitled to a second chance.<br />
19. Lets called when balls roll on the court. When a ball from an adjacent court<br />
enters the playing area, any player on the court affected may call a let as soon as the<br />
player be<strong>com</strong>es aware of the ball. The player loses the right to call a let if the player<br />
unreasonably delays in making the call.<br />
20. Touches, hitting ball before it crosses net, invasion of opponent’s court, double<br />
hits, and double bounces. A player shall promptly acknowledge when:<br />
• A ball in play touches the player;<br />
• The player touches the net or opponent’s court while the ball is in play;<br />
• The player hits a ball before it crosses the net;<br />
THE CODE 47
• The player deliberately carries or double hits the ball; or<br />
• The ball bounces more than once in the player’s court.<br />
The opponent is not entitled to make these calls.<br />
21. Balls hit through the net or into the ground. A player makes the ruling on a<br />
ball that the player’s opponent hits:<br />
• Through the net; or<br />
• Into the ground before it goes over the net.<br />
22. Calling balls on clay courts. If any part of the ball mark touches the line on a<br />
clay court, the ball shall be called good. If you can see only part of the mark on the<br />
court, this means that the missing part is on the line or tape. A player should take a<br />
careful second look at any point-ending placement that is close to a line on a clay<br />
court. Occasionally a ball will strike the tape, jump, and then leave a full mark behind<br />
the line. This does not mean that a player is required to show the opponent the mark.<br />
The opponent shall not cross the net to inspect a mark. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.C.8.<br />
If the player hears the sound of the ball striking the tape and sees a clean spot on the<br />
tape near the mark, the player should give the point to the opponent.<br />
SERVING<br />
23. Server’s request for third ball. When a Server requests three balls, the<br />
Receiver shall <strong>com</strong>ply when the third ball is readily available. Distant balls shall be<br />
retrieved at the end of a game.<br />
24. Foot Faults. The Receiver or Receiver’s partner may call foot faults only<br />
after the Server has been warned at least once and the request for an official has<br />
failed. This call should be made only when the Receiver or Receiver’s partner is<br />
absolutely certain and the foot faulting is so flagrant as to be clearly perceptible<br />
from the Receiver’s side. The plea that a Server should not be penalized because<br />
the Server only just touched the line and did not rush the net is not acceptable.<br />
Habitual foot faulting, whether intentional or careless, is just as surely cheating as<br />
is making a deliberate bad line call.<br />
25. Service calls in doubles. In doubles the Receiver’s partner should call the<br />
service line, and the Receiver should call the sideline and the center service line.<br />
Nonetheless, either partner may call a ball that either clearly sees.<br />
26. Service calls by serving team. Neither the Server nor Server’s partner shall<br />
make a fault call on the first service even if they think it is out because the Receiver<br />
may be giving the Server the benefit of the doubt. There is one exception. If the<br />
Receiver plays a first service that is a fault and does not put the return in play, the<br />
Server or Server’s partner may make the fault call. The Server and the Server’s<br />
partner shall call out any second serve that either clearly sees out.<br />
27. Service let calls. Any player may call a service let. The call shall be made before<br />
the return of serve goes out of play or is hit by the Server or the Server’s partner. If the<br />
serve is an apparent or near ace, any let shall be called promptly.<br />
28. Obvious faults. A player shall not put into play or hit over the net an obvious<br />
fault. To do so constitutes rudeness and may even be a form of gamesmanship. On<br />
the other hand, if a player does not call a serve a fault and gives the opponent the<br />
benefit of a close call, the Server is not entitled to replay the point.<br />
29. Receiver readiness. The Receiver shall play to the reasonable pace of the<br />
Server. The Receiver should make no effort to return a serve when the Receiver is<br />
not ready. If a player attempts to return a serve (even if it is a “quick” serve), then<br />
the Receiver (or Receiving team) is presumed to be ready.<br />
48 THE CODE
30. Delays during service. When the Server’s second service motion is<br />
interrupted by a ball <strong>com</strong>ing onto the court, the Server is entitled to two serves.<br />
When there is a delay between the first and second serves:<br />
• The Server gets one serve if the Server was the cause of the delay;<br />
• The Server gets two serves if the delay was caused by the Receiver<br />
or if there was outside interference.<br />
The time it takes to clear a ball that <strong>com</strong>es onto the court between the first and<br />
second serves is not considered sufficient time to warrant the Server receiving two<br />
serves unless this time is so prolonged as to constitute an interruption. The<br />
Receiver is the judge of whether the delay is sufficiently prolonged to justify giving<br />
the Server two serves.<br />
SCORING<br />
31. Server announces score. The Server shall announce the game score before<br />
the first point of the game and the point score before each subsequent point of the<br />
game.<br />
32. Disputes. Disputes over the score shall be resolved by using one of the<br />
following methods, which are listed in the order of preference:<br />
• Count all points and games agreed upon by the players and replay only<br />
the disputed points or games;<br />
• Play from a score mutually agreeable to all players;<br />
• Spin a racket or toss a coin.<br />
HINDRANCE ISSUES<br />
33. Talking during a point. A player shall not talk while the ball is moving toward<br />
the opponent’s side of the court. If the player’s talking interferes with an opponent’s<br />
ability to play the ball, the player loses the point. Consider the situation where a<br />
player hits a weak lob and loudly yells at his or her partner to get back. If the shout<br />
is loud enough to distract an opponent, then the opponent may claim the point<br />
based on a deliberate hindrance. If the opponent chooses to hit the lob and misses<br />
it, the opponent loses the point because the opponent did not make a timely claim<br />
of hindrance.<br />
34. Body movement. A player may feint with the body while the ball is in play.<br />
A player may change position at any time, including while the Server is tossing the<br />
ball. Any other movement or any sound that is made solely to distract an opponent,<br />
including, but not limited to, waving the arms or racket or stamping the feet, is not<br />
allowed.<br />
35. Lets due to hindrance. A let is not automatically granted because of<br />
hindrance. A let is authorized only if the player could have made the shot had the<br />
player not been hindered. A let is also not authorized for a hindrance caused by<br />
something within a player’s control. For example, a request for a let because the<br />
player tripped over the player’s own hat should be denied.<br />
36. Grunting. A player should avoid grunting and making other loud noises.<br />
Grunting and other loud noises may bother not only opponents but also players on<br />
adjacent courts. In an extreme case, an opponent or a player on an adjacent court<br />
may seek the assistance of the Referee or a Roving Umpire. The Referee or official<br />
may treat grunting and the making of loud noises as a hindrance. Depending upon<br />
the circumstance, this could result in a let or loss of point.<br />
37. Injury caused by a player. When a player accidentally injures an opponent,<br />
THE CODE 49
the opponent suffers the consequences. Consider the situation where the Server’s<br />
racket accidentally strikes the Receiver and incapacitates the Receiver. The Receiver<br />
is unable to resume play within the time limit. Even though the Server caused the<br />
injury, the Server wins the match by retirement.<br />
On the other hand, when a player deliberately injures an opponent and affects the<br />
opponent’s ability to play, then the opponent wins the match by default. Hitting a ball<br />
or throwing a racket in anger is considered a deliberate act.<br />
WHEN TO CONTACT AN OFFICIAL<br />
38. Withdrawing from a match or tournament. A player shall not enter a<br />
tournament and then withdraw when the player discovers that tough opponents<br />
have also entered. A player may withdraw from a match or tournament only because<br />
of injury, illness, or personal emergency. A player who cannot play a match shall<br />
notify the Referee at once so that the opponent may be saved a trip. A player who<br />
withdraws from a tournament is not entitled to the return of the entry fee unless the<br />
player withdrew more than six days before the start of the tournament.<br />
39. Stalling. The following actions constitute stalling :<br />
• Warming up longer than the allotted time;<br />
• Playing at about one-third a player’s normal pace;<br />
• Taking more than 90 seconds on the odd-game changeover; or more than<br />
120 seconds on the set break.<br />
• Taking longer than the authorized 10 minutes during a rest period;<br />
• Starting a discussion or argument in order for a player to catch his or her<br />
breath;<br />
• Clearing a missed first service that doesn’t need to be cleared; and<br />
• Excessive bouncing of the ball before any serve.<br />
A player who encounters a problem with stalling should contact an official.<br />
Stalling is subject to penalty under the Point Penalty System.<br />
40. Requesting an official. While normally a player may not leave the playing<br />
area, the player may contact the Referee or a Roving Umpire to request assistance.<br />
Some reasons for visiting the Referee include:<br />
• Stalling;<br />
• Flagrant foot faults;<br />
• A medical timeout;<br />
• A scoring dispute; and<br />
• A pattern of bad calls.<br />
A player may refuse to play until an official responds.<br />
BALL ISSUES<br />
41. Retrieving stray balls. Each player is responsible for removing stray balls<br />
and other objects from the player’s end of the court. A player’s request to remove a<br />
ball from the opponent’s court must be honored. A player shall not go behind an<br />
adjacent court to retrieve a ball, nor ask a player for return of a ball from players on<br />
an adjacent court until their point is over. When a player returns a ball that <strong>com</strong>es<br />
from an adjacent court, the player shall wait until their point is over and then return<br />
it directly to one of the players, preferably the Server.<br />
42. Catching a ball. If a player catches a ball before it bounces, the player loses<br />
the point regardless of where the player is standing.<br />
50 THE CODE
43. New balls for a third set. When a tournament specifies new balls for a third<br />
set, new balls shall be used unless all players agree otherwise.<br />
MISCELLANEOUS<br />
44. Clothing and equipment malfunction. If clothing or equipment, other than<br />
a racket, be<strong>com</strong>es unusable through circumstances outside the control of the player,<br />
play may be suspended for a reasonable period. The player may leave the court after<br />
the point is over to correct the problem. If a racket or string is broken, the player may<br />
leave the court to get a replacement, but the player is subject to code violations<br />
under the Point Penalty System.<br />
45. Placement of towels. Place towels on the ground outside the net post or at<br />
the back fence. Clothing and towels should never be placed on the net.<br />
THE CODE 51
PART 3 — <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
All clubs and organizations affiliated with the <strong>USTA</strong> shall be governed by the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations.<br />
FAC Comment<br />
These regulations often use the term “player.” Where appropriate this term<br />
also refers to a doubles team.<br />
The word “shall” is mandatory. The word “should” is permissive and generally<br />
implies a guideline to be followed whenever possible.<br />
I. PRE-TOURNAMENT REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
A. Applicability of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations<br />
1. Use in <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned tournaments. The <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations and the ITF<br />
Rules of Tennis shall be observed throughout all sanctioned tournaments<br />
and sanctioned matches.<br />
2. Definition of tournaments. Tournaments refer to all forms of <strong>com</strong>petition<br />
including, but not limited to, tournaments, championships, team<br />
championships, matches, exhibitions, events, intersectionals, international<br />
<strong>com</strong>petitions, and zonals. Tournaments are classified as amateur,<br />
professional, or open.<br />
3. Regulations for <strong>USTA</strong> tournaments that are part of WTA, <strong>AT</strong>P, or ITF<br />
circuits. In any <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned tournament in which a division is a part<br />
of the WTA or the <strong>AT</strong>P or is sanctioned by the ITF, that division shall use<br />
the WTA, <strong>AT</strong>P, or ITF tournament regulations.<br />
FAC Comment I.A-1: Officials may be administering tournaments under the<br />
auspices of <strong>AT</strong>P, WTA , or ITF organizations whose regulations may be at variance<br />
with <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations in some respects. In such situations, officials should<br />
reach a clear understanding of these differences before the tournament begins.<br />
Each division must be played entirely under <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations or entirely under<br />
the WTA, <strong>AT</strong>P, or ITF tournament regulations. In tournaments played under ITF<br />
tournament regulations, all <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations not inconsistent with the ITF<br />
tournament regulations apply.<br />
4. Regulations for professional circuits. Organized circuits of professional<br />
tournaments may adopt special tournament regulations to be uniformly<br />
applied throughout each tournament in the circuit, provided that notice thereof<br />
is published with the information for the circuit.<br />
5. Regulations for amateur circuits. Organized circuits of amateur<br />
tournaments may adopt special tournament regulations to be uniformly<br />
applied throughout each tournament in the circuit, provided that the<br />
regulations are not inconsistent with <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations and that notice<br />
thereof is published with the information for the circuit.<br />
FAC Comment I.A-2: <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.A.5. authorizes Sectional and District<br />
Associations to adopt tournament regulations for circuits used to qualify or<br />
endorse players for Sectional and National Championships.<br />
52 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.A. (Applicability of <strong>USTA</strong> Tournament Regulations)
FAC Comment I.A-3: The term “District Associations” applies equally to other<br />
subdivisions of Sectional Associations.<br />
B. Application for Sanction and Appointment of Tournament Committee<br />
Before the start of a tournament, the Organization Member conducting the<br />
tournament shall apply for a sanction (see <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII) and shall<br />
appoint a Tournament Committee of at least three persons. The Tournament<br />
Chairperson, the Tournament Director, and the Referee shall be members of the<br />
Committee. Neither the Tournament Chairperson nor the Tournament Director<br />
may serve as or assume the responsibilities of the Referee or Deputy Referee,<br />
except that the Tournament Director may serve as the Referee of a tournament<br />
that uses a QuickStart Tennis format.<br />
C. Tournament Committee<br />
1. Tournament Committee duties. The Tournament Committee supervises all<br />
administrative details of the tournament including the extent to which<br />
officials will be used. It has broad discretionary powers in carrying out its<br />
functions in all cases not covered by the ITF Rules of Tennis or <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations. The responsibilities of the Tournament Committee include<br />
the responsibilities listed in Table 2.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong><br />
Reg.<br />
I.B.,I.C.2.&<br />
XVII.A.3.<br />
II.D.13. &<br />
III.A.4.<br />
I.H.1.<br />
I.H.2.<br />
I.H.2.<br />
I.H.3-4.<br />
I.H.8.<br />
I.H.3.<br />
I.H.4.<br />
I.C.1.<br />
I.H.2.<br />
I.C.4.<br />
I.D.<br />
II.B.1.<br />
TABLE 2<br />
Responsibilities of Tournament Committee<br />
A. Pre-Tournament (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.C.)<br />
Obtains any required <strong>USTA</strong> sanction<br />
Arranges for enough courts so that the tournament can be <strong>com</strong>pleted on<br />
time and so the Referee can schedule matches in each division on the<br />
same surface type<br />
Determines the means of entering the tournament<br />
Makes decisions about the basic format and structure of the tournament<br />
so that the information that <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.H.2. requires to be on the<br />
written entry form and website can be published<br />
When possible publishes any tournament requirement for verification of<br />
injury or illness or providing a description of personal emergency<br />
Accepts the entries<br />
Refunds entry fees when <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.H.8. requires it<br />
Provides the Referee with a <strong>com</strong>plete list of entrants<br />
Provides the Referee with a list of alternates in priority order<br />
Determines the extent to which officials will be used<br />
Determines type of ball to be used. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.F.1-2.<br />
Appoints Deputy Referee (shared responsibility with Referee)<br />
Appoints a Tournament Appeals Committee to hear appeals<br />
B. Making the Draw (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.)<br />
Determines the time and public place where the draw will be made<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.C. (Tournament Committee) 53
<strong>USTA</strong><br />
Reg.<br />
II.B.2.<br />
II.A.1.<br />
IV.A.1.<br />
III.A.1.<br />
III.A.3.<br />
III.A.2.<br />
III.A.4.<br />
III.A.4.<br />
IV.C.15.<br />
V.A.1.<br />
V.A.2.<br />
TABLE 2 (Cont’d)<br />
Assigns at least one Tournament Committee member to assist the Referee<br />
or Deputy Referee in making the draw<br />
Determines the seedings except in certain national junior events in which<br />
the Director of Junior Competition or the Director’s designee determines the<br />
seedings after consulting with the Tournament Committee. See <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation VII.A.4.<br />
C. Conducting the Tournament (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.A.)<br />
Assures that all American players are <strong>USTA</strong> members<br />
Keeps order on the grounds<br />
Provides the tennis balls<br />
Provides supplies including singles sticks<br />
Authorizes play in a division on more than one surface type, but only when<br />
specifically authorized by <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.A.4.<br />
If there is no practicable way to finish an event, makes arrangements<br />
mutually agreeable to the players to finish at a later date or declares the<br />
tournament unfinished. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.A.4.<br />
When authorized and appropriate, waives the requirement for verification<br />
of injury or illness or providing a description of personal emergency<br />
D. After the Tournament (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation V.A.)<br />
Submits draw sheets to the governing body that issued the sanction within<br />
seven days<br />
Reports on players whose prize money was withheld<br />
FAC Comment I.C-1: The Tournament Committee should familiarize itself with<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> Emergency Care Guidelines. See Part 4.<br />
2. Tournament Chairperson. The Tournament Chairperson is the head of the<br />
Tournament Committee. This person is the official representative of the<br />
Organization Member’s Tournament Committee to the <strong>USTA</strong>, Sectional<br />
Associations, and District Associations. Normally the Organization Member<br />
submits its sanction application or tournament bid through its Tournament<br />
Chairperson. The Tournament Chairperson may not serve as or assume the<br />
responsibilities of the Referee or Deputy Referee, except that the Tournament<br />
Chairperson may serve as the Referee of a tournament that uses a<br />
QuickStart format.<br />
3. Tournament Director. The Tournament Director serves as the chief executive<br />
officer for the Tournament Committee and is directly responsible for the<br />
administrative details of the tournament. In many, but not all, tournaments<br />
the Tournament Chairperson also serves as the Tournament Director. The<br />
Tournament Director may not serve as or assume the responsibilities of the<br />
Referee or Deputy Referee, except that the Tournament Director may serve<br />
as the Referee of a tournament that uses a QuickStart Tennis format.<br />
4. Referee and Deputy Referee. The Referee is a member of the Tournament<br />
Committee. The Referee is the official who is responsible for assuring that the<br />
54 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.C. (Tournament Committee)
<strong>USTA</strong><br />
Reg.<br />
I.C.4.<br />
I.H.3.<br />
I.H.4.<br />
IV.C.<br />
15-16.<br />
II.B.1. &<br />
II.B.2.<br />
II.A.3.<br />
II.B.2.<br />
II.C.3.<br />
II.C.1.<br />
II.C.2.<br />
II.D.<br />
II.D.6.<br />
II.D.7.<br />
II.D.7.<br />
I.D.<br />
FACom<br />
I.G-1.<br />
IV.A.2.<br />
I.F.3. &<br />
III.B.9.<br />
IV.A.1.<br />
IV.A.2.,<br />
IV.D.19.-<br />
20., &<br />
FACom<br />
IV.D-1.<br />
<strong>com</strong>petition is fair and played under the ITF Rules of Tennis and <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations. A Deputy Referee is an official appointed by the Referee or<br />
Tournament Committee to assist in the performance of the Referee’s duties<br />
or to assume these duties when the Referee is absent. A Deputy Referee who<br />
makes the draw should also be a member of the Tournament Committee.<br />
The Referee’s responsibilities include the responsibilities listed in Table 3.<br />
TABLE 3<br />
Responsibilities of Referee<br />
A. Pre-Tournament (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.)<br />
Appoints, as necessary, Deputy Referee(s) to assist and assume the<br />
Referee’s duties when the Referee is not present<br />
Obtains a <strong>com</strong>plete list of entrants from the Tournament Committee<br />
Obtains a list of alternates in priority order<br />
Receives any required written verification of injury or illness or required<br />
written description of personal emergency from players who withdrew from<br />
the draw and documents the reasons for withdrawals<br />
B. Making the Draw (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.)<br />
Makes the draw publicly at a time and place set by the Tournament<br />
Committee<br />
Lists the seeded players in numerical order<br />
If the draw will be made by a Deputy, establishes when control of the draw<br />
is returned to the Referee<br />
Handles late entries and substitutions<br />
Replaces a seeded player who withdraws before play starts<br />
Enters into the draw a player omitted from the draw because of<br />
tournament administrative error, whenever possible<br />
Schedules matches<br />
Tells a player who asks the time of the player’s first match<br />
Posts the schedule on the official draw sheet<br />
Changes the schedule only for a <strong>com</strong>pelling reason and promptly notifies<br />
the affected players<br />
C. Conducting the Tournament (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulations II & III)<br />
May not serve as a member of the Tournament Appeals Committee<br />
May play in the tournament if a Deputy assumes the Referee’s duties while<br />
the Referee is playing<br />
Designates the place where players check in for play<br />
Determines the ball change pattern, if any<br />
When directed to do so by the Tournament Committee, checks that all<br />
players are <strong>USTA</strong> members<br />
Assesses penalties for lateness. See Tables 14 & 15<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.C. (Tournament Committee) 55
<strong>USTA</strong><br />
Reg.<br />
III.B.3.<br />
I.C.4.<br />
& VII.A.<br />
III.B.4.<br />
III.B.11.<br />
FACom<br />
VII.A-1.<br />
III.B.10.<br />
& VII.C.5.<br />
III.B.5.<br />
IV.E.3.<br />
III.B.6. &<br />
IV.E.4.<br />
IV.E.6.<br />
IV.E.7.<br />
III.B.7.<br />
III.B.8. &<br />
III.D.1.<br />
III.E.<br />
III.G.<br />
III.H.6.<br />
II.B.6.<br />
II.D.10.<br />
II.D.11.<br />
V.A.3.<br />
TABLE 3 (Cont’d)<br />
Disqualifies any ineligible player and decides whether to reinstate the loser<br />
of the last match won by the disqualified player<br />
Supervises all aspects of play including, but not limited to, the conduct<br />
and actions of players, coaches, parents, spectators, officials,<br />
groundskeepers, and administrative crew<br />
Determines who may enter the playing area<br />
Decides all questions of law<br />
Settles scoring disputes in matches without officials<br />
Assigns Umpires and replaces them only as necessary or as requested by<br />
a Chair Umpire<br />
Defaults players for cause<br />
After unilaterally defaulting a player, remains available for up to 15 minutes<br />
to receive any player appeal<br />
Rules on the appeal of a player who has been defaulted by a Chair Umpire<br />
or Roving Umpire<br />
Prevents a player defaulted for misconduct from participating in other<br />
events at the tournament<br />
Immediately defaults a player who bets on any match in the tournament<br />
Handles infractions observed in non-officiated matches<br />
Suspends and postpones play<br />
Handles player requests directed to the Referee for a medical timeout or<br />
bleeding timeout<br />
When inclement weather, health concerns, or safety concerns force the<br />
tournament to be shortened, follows established procedures<br />
Determines whether a player may practice on the match court during an<br />
intermission with balls other than the match balls<br />
Resolves ties in round robin tournaments<br />
Offers players the minimum rest between matches set out in <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation III.C.1.<br />
Assures that the proper rest periods between sets are followed<br />
D. Post-Tournament (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation V.A.)<br />
Within three days of the tournament’s <strong>com</strong>pletion, reports violations of<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulations and any penalties imposed to the:<br />
• Sectional Association in which the tournament is held;<br />
• Sectional Association where the involved player is domiciled; and<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Junior and Collegiate Competition Department if the<br />
tournament was listed on the National Junior Tournament Schedule.<br />
56 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.C. (Tournament Committee)
a. Presence of Referee or Deputy Referee. The Referee (or in the Referee’s<br />
absence, a Deputy Referee) shall be present during play.<br />
FAC Comment I.C-2: The Referee should be on site during most of the<br />
tournament. The Deputy Referee steps in only during those short periods when<br />
the Referee is off site or is playing a match in the tournament.<br />
b. Referee’s discretion. The Referee and each Deputy Referee shall use<br />
judgment in all situations not specifically covered by the ITF Rules of<br />
Tennis or <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations.<br />
c. Certification required for Referees of <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships. The<br />
Referee of each <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship shall be a Referee certified<br />
by the <strong>USTA</strong>; each Deputy Referee shall be an official certified by the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
d. Certification of Referees of other tournaments. The <strong>USTA</strong> re<strong>com</strong>mends the<br />
use of Referees certified by the <strong>USTA</strong> in all other <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned<br />
tournaments. This re<strong>com</strong>mendation does not apply to touranments that<br />
use a QuickStart Tennis format.<br />
D. Tournament Appeals Committee<br />
The Tournament Committee shall appoint a Tournament Appeals Committee to<br />
decide player appeals of the Referee’s disqualification or unilateral default of a<br />
player. The Tournament Appeals Committee shall be <strong>com</strong>prised of at least two<br />
members. Time is of the essence in deciding appeals. Upon being notified by<br />
a player that the player wishes to appeal the Referee’s decision, the Referee<br />
shall immediately attempt to contact at least two members of the Tournament<br />
Appeals Committee. Once two members have convened to decide an appeal,<br />
they need not wait for other members to appear before reaching a decision.<br />
There are no formal notice requirements for assembling the Tournament Appeals<br />
Committee, and two members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum. The<br />
Tournament Appeals Committee may meet in person, by conference telephone<br />
call, or by other means that will facilitate a prompt decision.<br />
The Tournament Committee may serve as the Tournament Appeals<br />
Committee except that the Referee shall not serve as a member of the<br />
Tournament Appeals Committee. The decision of the Tournament Appeals<br />
Committee shall be final.<br />
E. Match Formats and Scoring<br />
Most matches use the scoring system specifically described in Rules 5, 6, and<br />
7 of the ITF Rules of Tennis, and are the best of three sets. In interscholastic,<br />
state, Sectional, and National championships in the Boys’ 18 and Girls’ 18<br />
Divisions, the final round may be the best of five sets. In the Men’s Open, 25,<br />
and 30 Divisions, matches in any round may be the best of five sets. Other match<br />
formats may be used. Results of matches using other formats shall be used for<br />
rankings unless prohibited by applicable National, Sectional, or District ranking<br />
regulations. Commonly used formats include no-ad scoring, matches consisting<br />
of the best of three sets with a 10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of the third set,<br />
pro sets, matches consisting of one set only, QuickStart Tennis formats, and<br />
short sets. The tournament entry form shall specify the format being used.<br />
1. Tiebreaks<br />
a. 7-Point Set Tiebreak (first to 7 by a margin of 2). The 7-Point Set<br />
Tiebreak (first to 7 by a margin of 2) is the tiebreak game described<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.E. (Match Formats and Scoring) 57
in Rule 5(b) of the ITF Rules of Tennis and determines the winner<br />
of any set in which it is used. Use of the 7-Point Set Tiebreak is<br />
mandatory in all sets of any sanctioned tournament except pro sets<br />
(See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.E.4.)<br />
b. 10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of deciding final set. The 10-Point<br />
Match Tiebreak (first to 10 by a margin of 2) is described in Appendix<br />
IV of the ITF Rules of Tennis and determines the winner of any match<br />
in which it is used. The match tiebreak used in <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned<br />
tournaments shall be the 10-Point Match Tiebreak.<br />
Any tournament electing to use the 10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu<br />
of a deciding final set shall announce the election on the entry form.<br />
See Table 17 for when the 10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of the<br />
deciding final set may be used in <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National<br />
Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments; <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
X.A.2.d. and <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.F.5. for when the 10-Point Match<br />
Tiebreak in lieu of the deciding final set may be used in Category I<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>, Adult, Senior, and Family National Championships; and <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation XIII.A.3.d. for when the 10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu<br />
of the deciding final set may be used in Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
National Championships.<br />
c. Coman Tiebreak Procedure. The Coman Tiebreak Procedure is the<br />
same as the procedure described above except that ends are changed<br />
after the first point, then after every four points, and at the conclusion<br />
of the tiebreak. See Appendix IV to the ITF Rules of Tennis. A Sectional<br />
Association may authorize any tournament below the National<br />
Championship level to use the Coman Tiebreak Procedure. The<br />
appropriate <strong>USTA</strong> Competition Committee may authorize the use of the<br />
Coman Tiebreak Procedure for any other tournament. Any tournament<br />
electing to use the Coman Tiebreak Procedure must announce the<br />
election before the start of tournament play. The Coman Tiebreak<br />
Procedure may be used with any tiebreak.<br />
d. Recording the tiebreak score. When a 7-Point Set Tiebreak is<br />
played, the score of the set shall be written 7-6(x) or 6-7(x), with<br />
(x) being the number of points won by the loser of the tiebreak. For<br />
example, 7-6(4) means the tiebreak score was 7-4, and 6-7(14)<br />
means the tiebreak score was 14-16. If a 10-Point Match Tiebreak<br />
is played in lieu of the deciding final set, the score is recorded<br />
1-0(x) with x being the number of points won by the loser.<br />
e. Ball changes. If a ball change is due at the start of a tiebreak, it shall<br />
be deferred until the start of the second game of the next set. A<br />
tiebreak counts as one game in determining ball changes. If a ball<br />
change is due at the start of a tiebreak that is being played in lieu of<br />
the deciding final set, there shall be no ball change.<br />
2. No-Ad scoring. The no-ad scoring system is described in Appendix IV of the<br />
ITF Rules of Tennis. A tournament electing to use no-ad scoring must<br />
announce the election before the start of tournament play except as set forth<br />
in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.G.1. See also <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.6., which<br />
prohibits no-ad scoring in <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regional Tournaments.<br />
58 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.E. (Match Formats and Scoring)
3. Short Sets. A tournament electing to use “short” sets must announce the<br />
election on the entry form. See Appendix IV of the ITF Rules of Tennis.<br />
4. Pro Sets. A match may consist of a pro set. Unless otherwise specified,<br />
a pro set is one set in which a player or team must win eight games by a<br />
margin of two games to win the match. If the score reaches 8-all, a<br />
7-Point Tiebreak (first to 7 by a margin of 2) is played, with the winner<br />
of the tiebreak winning the match by a score of 9-8(x) where x is the<br />
number of points won by the player or team who lost. The Tournament<br />
Committee may instead use a 10-Point Tiebreak (first to 10 by a margin<br />
of 2) to decide the winner of a pro set if the Committee includes this<br />
information on the entry form and website. Any tournament electing to<br />
use the pro set shall announce its use on the entry form and website. If<br />
a pro set other than the 8-game pro set is used, the Tournament<br />
Committee shall specify the format on the entry form and website.<br />
5. QuickStart Tennis formats. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation VI.<br />
FAC Comment I.E-1: Service order. The player or team whose turn it was to<br />
serve first if a full set were played starts serving a 10-Point Match Tiebreak<br />
that is played in lieu of a deciding final set. Each doubles team decides who<br />
serves first for its team.<br />
FAC Comment I.E-2: Receiving positions. A doubles team may change receiving<br />
positions at the start of a 10-Point Match Tiebreak.<br />
FAC Comment I.E-3: Change of ends. Players change ends at the start of a 10-Point<br />
Match Tiebreak only if an odd-game changeover is due. During the 10-Point Match<br />
Tiebreak, players change ends after every six points.<br />
FAC Comment I.E-4: Mistakes. See <strong>USTA</strong> Comments 27.2-8. for how to handle<br />
mistakes during tiebreaks.<br />
F. Balls and Ball Change Pattern<br />
1. The type of ball. At the Sectional Championship level and above, the type of ball<br />
shall be consistent throughout a tournament event unless the playing surface<br />
or conditions are changed. For example, both heavy duty felt balls and regular<br />
felt balls normally shall not be used in the same tournament event. Compliance<br />
is re<strong>com</strong>mended for tournaments below the Sectional Championship level.<br />
2. Approved balls. In all <strong>USTA</strong> tournaments and leagues, the ball used must be<br />
on the list of balls approved by the <strong>USTA</strong> or must be otherwise authorized<br />
by the <strong>USTA</strong>. The <strong>USTA</strong> shall rule on whether any ball or prototype <strong>com</strong>plies<br />
with the specifications adopted by the ITF pursuant to the ITF Rules of<br />
Tennis or is otherwise authorized for play. Rulings may be taken on the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>’s own initiative or upon application by any party with a bona-fide<br />
interest, including any player, equipment manufacturer, ITF, Sectional<br />
Association, District Association, or Organization Member. Rulings shall be<br />
made in accordance with the then current testing procedures adopted by the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>. A list of balls approved by the <strong>USTA</strong> shall be published.<br />
FAC Comment I.F-1: A current list of the <strong>USTA</strong> approved balls is available at<br />
www.usta.<strong>com</strong>.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.F. (Balls and Ball Change Pattern) 59
3. Referee determines ball change pattern. The Referee shall determine the<br />
ball change pattern subject to the right of the Chair Umpire to order a ball<br />
change at other than the normal time when the Chair Umpire determines that<br />
abnormal conditions warrant so doing.<br />
4. Number of balls. New balls shall be used to start a match <strong>com</strong>mencing with<br />
the warm-up. At least three balls shall be used for matches at tournaments<br />
above the Sectional Championship level and are re<strong>com</strong>mended for matches<br />
at the Sectional Championship level.<br />
When a tournament specifies new balls for a third set, new balls shall be<br />
used unless all players agree otherwise.<br />
5. Warm-ups. Warm-ups in which the match balls are used are treated as the<br />
equivalent of two games of match play.<br />
G. Player Eligibility<br />
1. <strong>USTA</strong> membership generally required to play in sanctioned tournaments.<br />
All players, including non-citizens resident in the United States, Puerto Rico,<br />
U.S. Virgin Islands, Province of British Columbia, Guam, or American Samoa,<br />
desiring to play in sanctioned tournaments of the <strong>USTA</strong> are required to be<br />
members of the <strong>USTA</strong> except for sanctioned matches or tournaments that<br />
are interscholastic, intercollegiate, or that are limited to students and<br />
conducted by scholastic or collegiate officials.<br />
For the purpose of this provision all foreign players shall be presumed<br />
to be residents of the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands,<br />
Province of British Columbia, Guam, or American Samoa, and thereby<br />
required to enroll unless they have a certification from their national<br />
association or from the <strong>USTA</strong> stating that they are in fact nonresidents of<br />
the United States as above defined. If a foreign, nonresident player<br />
requests that the <strong>USTA</strong> issue a certification that the player is a nonresident,<br />
then the <strong>USTA</strong> shall issue the certification upon finding that the player is<br />
a nonresident.<br />
2. Eligibility for tournaments: There are three general categories of tournaments:<br />
• Junior;<br />
• Adult, Senior, and Family; and<br />
• Wheelchair.<br />
Many tournament divisions have minimum or maximum age restrictions. Some<br />
divisions are restricted by the players’ NTRP ratings.<br />
a. Junior tournaments (18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8). Junior tournaments, with<br />
the exception of the <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, are limited to<br />
amateurs. A player, if otherwise eligible, may enter any junior division<br />
if the player has not exceeded the maximum age by the last day of the<br />
month during which the division is scheduled to start (see Table 4);<br />
provided that, annually the Junior Competition Committee may<br />
designate one tournament in each of the Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Divisions<br />
that shall be limited to players who have not turned 19 on or before<br />
December 31. These designated tournaments may be, but are not<br />
required to be, <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships.<br />
b. Adult, Senior, and Family tournaments. A player, if otherwise eligible,<br />
may enter any:<br />
i. Men’s or Women’s Division that is not restricted by age or NTRP<br />
rating;<br />
60 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.G. (Player Eligibility)
ii. NTRP Division if the player’s NTRP rating is less than or equal<br />
to the NTRP rating for the division;<br />
iii. Adult, Senior, or Family Division with minimum age restriction<br />
if the player will reach the minimum age by December 31 of the<br />
year during which the division is scheduled to start;<br />
iv. Parent-Child Division if the parent and child are related by virtue<br />
of blood, legal adoption, or current step relationship. (Death<br />
does not destroy any step relationship, but divorce does.) A<br />
child may play with different parents in different tournaments or<br />
different divisions in a tournament.<br />
v. Parent-Child Division with minimum age restriction for parent.<br />
If the parent and child are related as defined in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
I.G.2.b.iv. and the parent will reach the minimum age by<br />
December 31 of the year during which the division is scheduled<br />
to start; or<br />
vi. Grandparent-Grandchild Division if the grandparent and<br />
grandchild are related by virtue of blood, legal adoption(s), or<br />
current step relationship(s). Adoptive and step relationship(s)<br />
may be created at the parent or the grandparent levels. (Death<br />
does not destroy any step relationship, but divorce does.) A<br />
child may play with different grandparents in different<br />
tournaments.<br />
c. Wheelchair tournaments. A player, if otherwise eligible, may enter any:<br />
i. Men’s Open or Women’s Open Division if the player meets the<br />
eligibility requirements of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations I.G.3. a. and f.<br />
ii. Men’s A, Men’s B, Men’s C, Women’s A, or Women’s B Division<br />
if the player meets the eligibility requirements of <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations I.G.3.a., c., and f.<br />
iii. Quad Open Division if the player meets the eligibility<br />
requirements of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations I.G.3.a., b., e., and f.<br />
iv. Quad A Division if the player meets the eligibility requirements<br />
of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations I.G.3.a., c., e., and f.<br />
v. Junior Open/A (18 & Under) Division if the player meets the<br />
eligibility requirements of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations I.G.3.a. and f. and<br />
the age eligibility requirement of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.G.2.a.<br />
vi. Senior Open/A (40 & Over) Doubles or Senior B/C (40 & Over)<br />
Doubles Division if the player meets the eligibility requirements<br />
of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations I.G.3.a., d., and f. and the player will<br />
reach the minimum age by December 31 of the year during<br />
which the division is scheduled to start.<br />
d. Amateur tournaments if the player meets any age or NTRP<br />
requirement and is an amateur as defined in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.1.<br />
Junior tournaments, with the exception of <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships, are limited to amateurs. All other tournaments are<br />
open to amateurs and professionals unless the tournament entry form<br />
or website restricts the tournament to amateurs.<br />
e. Mixed doubles tournaments if one player is female and the other<br />
player is male. Players must also meet any age or NTRP requirements<br />
of the division.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.G. (Player Eligibility) 61
TABLE 4<br />
Junior Eligibility<br />
Generally, juniors are eligible to play in <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned junior divisions<br />
if they are amateurs who are <strong>USTA</strong> members born on or after the dates<br />
listed in this table.<br />
Tournaments starting in 1/10:<br />
18s born Feb. 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born Feb. 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born Feb. 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born Feb. 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born Feb. 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born Feb. 1, 2001, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 2/10:<br />
18s born March 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born March 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born March 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born March 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born March 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born March 1, 2001, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 3/10:<br />
18s born April 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born April 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born April 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born April 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born April 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born April 1, 2001, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 4/10:<br />
18s born May 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born May 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born May 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born May 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born May 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born May 1, 2001, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 5/10:<br />
18s born June 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born June 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born June 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born June 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born June 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born June 1, 2001, or later.<br />
62 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.G. (Player Eligibility)<br />
Tournaments starting in 6/10:<br />
18s born July 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born July 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born July 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born July 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born July 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born July 1, 2001, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 7/10:<br />
18s born Aug. 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born Aug. 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born Aug. 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born Aug. 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born Aug. 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born Aug. 1, 2001, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 8/10:<br />
18s born Sept. 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born Sept. 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born Sept. 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born Sept. 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born Sept. 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born Sept. 1, 2001, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 9/10:<br />
18s born Oct. 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born Oct. 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born Oct. 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born Oct. 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born Oct. 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born Oct. 1, 2001, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 10/10:<br />
18s born Nov. 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born Nov. 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born Nov. 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born Nov. 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born Nov. 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born Nov. 1, 2001, or later.
Tournaments starting in 11/10:<br />
18s born Dec. 1, 1991, or later;<br />
16s born Dec. 1, 1993, or later;<br />
14s born Dec. 1, 1995, or later;<br />
12s born Dec. 1, 1997, or later;<br />
10s born Dec. 1, 1999, or later;<br />
8s born Dec. 1, 2001, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 12/10:<br />
18s born Jan. 1, 1992, or later;<br />
16s born Jan. 1, 1994, or later;<br />
14s born Jan. 1, 1996, or later;<br />
12s born Jan. 1, 1998, or later;<br />
10s born Jan. 1, 2000, or later;<br />
8s born Jan. 1, 2002, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 1/11:<br />
18s born Feb. 1, 1992, or later;<br />
16s born Feb. 1, 1994, or later;<br />
14s born Feb. 1, 1996, or later;<br />
12s born Feb. 1, 1998, or later;<br />
10s born Feb. 1, 2000, or later;<br />
8s born Feb 1, 2002, or later.<br />
TABLE 4 (continued)<br />
Tournaments starting in 2/11:<br />
18s born March 1, 1992, or later;<br />
16s born March 1, 1994, or later;<br />
14s born March 1, 1996, or later;<br />
12s born March 1, 1998, or later;<br />
10s born March 1, 2000, or later;<br />
8s born March 1, 2002, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 3/11:<br />
18s born April 1, 1992, or later;<br />
16s born April 1, 1994, or later;<br />
14s born April 1, 1996, or later;<br />
12s born April 1, 1998, or later;<br />
10s born April 1, 2000, or later;<br />
8s born April 1, 2002, or later.<br />
Tournaments starting in 4/11:<br />
18s born May 1, 1992, or later;<br />
16s born May 1, 1994, or later;<br />
14s born May 1, 1996, or later;<br />
12s born May 1, 1998, or later;<br />
10s born May 1, 2000, or later;<br />
8s born May 1, 2000, or later.<br />
FAC Comment I.G-1: Members of the Tournament Committee (including the<br />
Referee) may enter a tournament. If the Referee enters a tournament, a Deputy<br />
Referee should serve as the Referee during the Referee’s matches.<br />
3. Additional eligibility requirements for <strong>com</strong>peting in <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned<br />
Wheelchair tournaments.<br />
a. Minimum eligibility requirements. A player, if otherwise eligible, may<br />
enter a <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned Wheelchair tournament if the player has a<br />
medically diagnosed permanent mobility-related physical disability.<br />
This permanent physical disability must result in a substantial loss of<br />
function in one or both lower extremities. A player must meet one of<br />
the following minimum eligibility requirements:<br />
i. neurological deficit at the SI level or rostral associated with<br />
loss of motor function; or<br />
ii. ankylosis and/or severe arthrosis and/or joint replacement of<br />
the hip, knee, or upper ankle joints; or<br />
iii. amputation of any lower extremity joint rostral to the<br />
metatarsophalangeal joint; or<br />
iv. functional disabilities in one or both lower extremities<br />
equivalent to i., ii., or iii. above.<br />
b. Criteria for specific divisions. The Wheelchair Tennis Committee, in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.G. (Player Eligibility) 63
TABLE 5<br />
Criteria for Entering Wheelchair Divisions<br />
A. Men’s, Women’s, and Quad Open Divisions<br />
All players with ITF rankings as set forth below must play in the Open divison:<br />
Division ITF Ranking<br />
Men’s Open ............................................Top 100<br />
Women’s Open.......................................Top 75<br />
Quad Open .............................................Top 50<br />
B. Men’s and Women’s A & B, Men’s C, Quad A, Senior Open/A (40 &<br />
Over) Doubles, and Senior B/C (40 & Over) Doubles Wheelchair<br />
Divisions<br />
Process. Twice yearly the Wheelchair Tennis Committee and the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Competitive Play Department shall review the most recent year-end<br />
National Ranking List or the most recently published National Seeding List<br />
in the Men’s and Women’s A and B, Men’s C, Senior Open/A (40 & Over)<br />
Doubles, and Senior B/C (40 & Over) Doubles Divisions (collectively,<br />
“Letter Divisions”) to determine which Letter Division a player or team may<br />
enter. Singles National Ranking Lists or National Seeding Lists shall be<br />
reviewed for the Men’s and Women’s A and B Divisions and Men’s C<br />
Divisions. Doubles National Ranking Lists or National Seeding Lists shall<br />
be reviewed for the Senior Open/A (40 & Over) Doubles and Senior B/C<br />
(40 & Over) Doubles Divisions.<br />
Letter Division Strength. In the Men’s and Women’s Divisions, the A<br />
Division is the strongest Letter Division; B is the next strongest, and C is<br />
the weakest. There is only one Quad Letter Division – Quad A. In the Senior<br />
Open/A (40 & Over) Doubles and Senior B/C (40 & Over) Doubles<br />
Divisions, the Open/A Division is the stronger Letter Division.<br />
Gender and Eligibility. A Quad player has the option of choosing the<br />
lettered division of a tournament appropriate to the player’s gender.<br />
• A Quad Open player ranked in the top 15 in the world must <strong>com</strong>pete in<br />
the A or Open Division appropriate for the player’s gender.<br />
• A Quad Open player ranked below 15 in the world can <strong>com</strong>pete in the<br />
B Division or above appropriate for the player’s gender.<br />
• A Quad A player can <strong>com</strong>pete in the C Division or higher appropriate<br />
for the player’s gender.<br />
A Women’s Open player may <strong>com</strong>pete in the Men’s lettered divisions if a<br />
Women’s Open draw of five or more is unavailable.<br />
• A Women’s Open player ranked top 30 in the world or above may<br />
<strong>com</strong>pete in the Men’s A or Open Division.<br />
• A Women’s Open player ranked below 30 in the world may <strong>com</strong>pete in<br />
the Men’s B Division or above.<br />
64 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.G. (Player Eligibility)
January 1 Criteria and Procedure. The Wheelchair Tennis Committee and<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department shall review the most recent year-end<br />
National Ranking Lists in all Letter Divisions to determine which players, if any,<br />
must play in a higher Letter Division or may play in a lower Letter Division as<br />
follows:<br />
• Players ranked in the top 5% of a division must move up to the nexthigher<br />
Letter Division for the period of one year, except that, players<br />
meeting this criteria in the Men’s, Women’s, and Quad A Divisions are<br />
not required to move up to the Open Division.<br />
• Players ranked in the bottom third of a division may enter a lower division.<br />
• Players <strong>com</strong>peting in multiple Letter Divisions shall be reviewed in each<br />
Letter Division. This may result in a player being restricted from entering<br />
multiple divisions.<br />
• Players affected by the review will be notified as set forth below. A<br />
requirement to move up a Letter Division shall be effective on February 1.<br />
July 1 Criteria and Procedure. The Wheelchair Tennis Committee, in<br />
consultation with the <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department, shall review the<br />
National Seeding Lists in all Letter Divisions to determine which players,<br />
if any, must play in a higher Letter Division or may play in a lower Letter<br />
Division as follows:<br />
• No player will be required to move up a Letter Division higher than the<br />
Letter Division in which the player is participating.<br />
• Players appearing in the top 50% of a National Seeding List of a Letter<br />
Division must play in that Letter Division or higher for the remainder<br />
of the calendar year.<br />
• Players appearing in the bottom 50% of a National Seeding List Letter<br />
Division may enter a lower Letter Division.<br />
• Players affected by the review will be notified as set forth below. A<br />
requirement to participate in a Letter Division shall be effective on August 1.<br />
Notification. No later than 15 days after the date of the review, the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Competitive Play Department shall send notice to each player required to<br />
play in a specific Letter Division and to each player who may play a lower<br />
Letter Division. Notice shall be sent by first class certified mail (return<br />
receipt requested).<br />
Appeals. A player may appeal a requirement to play in a specific Letter<br />
Division by submitting a written petition to the Tournament Sub<strong>com</strong>mittee of<br />
the Wheelchair Tennis Committee by first class certified mail (return receipt<br />
requested) to the following address: <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department, 70<br />
West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604. The appeal must include a<br />
statement as to why the player is appealing the decision. Absent good cause<br />
shown, any appeal shall be barred unless it is made in writing within 14 days<br />
of the mailing of the notice. The Tournament Sub<strong>com</strong>mittee shall rule on the<br />
appeal within 21 days of the receipt of the appeal. Until the decision is ruled<br />
upon, the player must continue to play in the Letter Division specified by the<br />
notice. Appeal decisions are final.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.G. (Player Eligibility) 65
consultation with the <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department, shall<br />
determine eligiblity criteria for requiring players to enter the Open, Quad<br />
Open, Men’s and Women’s A and B Divisions, Men’s C Division, Quad<br />
A Division, Senior Open/A (40 & Over) Doubles, and Senior B/C (40 &<br />
Over) Doubles Divisions. The criteria shall be published. See Table 5.<br />
c. Quad players. A quad player must meet all of the following eligibility<br />
requirements:<br />
i. A quad player must meet the criteria for permanent physical<br />
disability as defined in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.G.3.a.<br />
ii. A quad player must have a permanent physical disability that<br />
results in a substantial loss of function in one or both upper<br />
extremities.<br />
iii. A quad player must meet one of the following minimum<br />
eligibility requirements:<br />
• a neurological deficit at the C8 level or rostral with<br />
associated loss of motor function; or<br />
• upper extremity amputation; or<br />
• upper extremity pho<strong>com</strong>elia; or<br />
• upper extremity myopathy or muscular dystrophy; or<br />
• functional disabilities in one or both upper extremities<br />
equivalent to one of the four disabilities listed above in this<br />
subparagraph iii.<br />
iv. A quad player must have at least one of the four following<br />
functional disabilities related to upper extremity use,<br />
irrespective of trunk balance:<br />
• lack of capacity to perform a smooth and continuous<br />
overhead service; or<br />
• lack of capacity to perform a smooth and continuous<br />
forehand and backhand; or<br />
• lack of capacity during play to maneuver a manual<br />
wheelchair using full wheel control; or<br />
• lack of capacity during play to grip the racket for all<br />
strokes without taping or an assistive device.<br />
d. Power wheelchairs. A player who has severe limitations on mobility<br />
that prevent the player from pushing a manual chair and therefore<br />
uses a power wheelchair for every day mobility may use a power<br />
wheelchair to play wheelchair tennis; however, once a player has<br />
elected to play tennis in a power wheelchair, the player must<br />
continue to do so in all <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned tournaments.<br />
FAC Comment I.G-2: Wheelchair players are referred to the current ITF<br />
Wheelchair Tennis Handbook for the eligibility requirements to participate in ITF<br />
sanctioned wheelchair tournaments.<br />
4. Professionals may not play in tournaments limited to amateurs. While<br />
professional players are free to play in sanctioned and unsanctioned<br />
tournaments, they may not participate in tournaments expressly limited<br />
to amateurs.<br />
66 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.G. (Player Eligibility)
H. Entry Process<br />
1. Means of entry. The Tournament Committee shall determine the means of<br />
entering the tournament, which may be by its own entry form, by a standard<br />
entry form, or by electronic means.<br />
2. Entry form. The Tournament Committee shall specify in the title if a<br />
tournament is limited to amateurs, except that that is not required for<br />
junior tournaments. If only some events in the tournament are limited to<br />
amateurs, then the entry form shall indicate which events are limited to<br />
amateurs and which events are open to professionals and amateurs. As<br />
soon as the Tournament Committee is prepared to receive entries, it shall<br />
place the following information on its written entry form and its website<br />
(if any):<br />
• The specific events and the eligibility requirements;<br />
• Any limit on the size of the draws;<br />
• The locations and dates of play (including rain dates, if any);<br />
• The sanctioning bodies;<br />
• The entry fee;<br />
• The draw format and whether any consolation is mandatory;<br />
• The time and place of the draw;<br />
• The match format for the main draw, consolation, and doubles;<br />
• When applicable, a statement specifying whether the tournament will<br />
use the All Factors Method of seeding or a Computerized List Method<br />
of seeding. If a Computerized List Method is used, then the<br />
Tournament Committee shall reference (for example, National,<br />
Sectional, or District criteria) or publish the applicable seeding<br />
criteria;<br />
• When applicable, a statement that the tournament will use the 10-<br />
Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of the deciding final set;<br />
• The entry deadline (the date by which entries must be received by the<br />
Tournament Committee);<br />
• The mailing or electronic address where the entry form should be<br />
sent;<br />
• Any clothing or shoe restrictions;<br />
• The time and place of any player meeting and how to notify the<br />
tournament if a player is unable to attend;<br />
• The ball type (brand name not required) that will be used;<br />
• The number of balls for play and the ball change policy;<br />
• The type of court surface; and<br />
• When applicable, a statement that the tournament will use a QuickStart<br />
Tennis format (including the specific court dimensions and racket size<br />
allowed).<br />
It is re<strong>com</strong>mended that the Tournament Committee include additional<br />
information, such as how first match information may be obtained, the<br />
names of the Referee and other members of the Tournament Committee,<br />
and the requirement for a player to deliver written verification or description<br />
of the reasons for a withdrawal.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.H. (Entry Process) 67
Example of an Entry Form<br />
Nebraska Junior Closed Tennis Tournament<br />
Sponsored by the Omaha Tennis Association<br />
August 6-8, <strong>2010</strong><br />
Koch Family Tennis Center<br />
12400 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE 68164, (555) 444-7332<br />
Entry Fees: Singles: $16. Doubles: $22/team. One singles and doubles only.<br />
No phone entries.<br />
Deadline: Paid entry must be received by Friday, July 30.<br />
Seeding & Draw: Will be held on Monday & Tuesday (August 2 & 3) at Koch using<br />
the All Factors Method.<br />
Format & Rules: Single Elimination draw with mandatory first match consolation<br />
in singles. Matches are best of three tiebreak sets. For 10s and<br />
12s only, the tournament will be a round robin with matches<br />
being the best of three tiebreak sets with no-ad scoring and a 10-<br />
Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of the third set.<br />
Age Guide: 10s born Sept. 1, 1999, or later.<br />
12s born Sept. 1, 1997, or later.<br />
14s born Sept. 1, 1995, or later.<br />
16s born Sept. 1, 1993, or later.<br />
18s born Sept. 1, 1991, or later.<br />
Schedule: Draws posted at Koch and at<br />
www.usta.<strong>com</strong> (TennisLink) after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4.<br />
Players may call (555) 444-4980 after 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Play<br />
may begin as early as 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 6.<br />
Player Meeting: Friday, August 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Koch. Call (555) 444-4980 if<br />
unable to attend.<br />
Sanctioned: <strong>USTA</strong>/Missouri Valley and Nebraska Tennis Association. All players<br />
must provide proof of <strong>USTA</strong> membership or purchase a membership<br />
at the tournament.<br />
Surface: Sixteen hard courts<br />
Ball Policy: 3 Wilson Heavy Duty balls (medium speed); new balls for 3rd set.<br />
Referee/Chairman: Steve Gerdes/Larry Newton<br />
Host Hotel: Holiday Inn (Central) 72nd & Grover (555) 393-3950<br />
Other Information: No tennis shoes with black soles. Any player who withdraws<br />
must notify the Referee immediately. Written verification of the<br />
reason must be delivered by August 8.<br />
Nebraska Junior Closed <strong>2010</strong><br />
Name Phone: ( ) Date of Birth<br />
Address: City State Zip<br />
Girls’ Singles $16<br />
18 16 14 12 10<br />
Girls’ Doubles $22/team<br />
18 16 14 12 10<br />
68 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.H. (Entry Process)<br />
Boys’ Singles $16<br />
18 16 14 12 10 $ ——<br />
Boys’ Doubles $22/team<br />
18 16 14 12 10 $ ——<br />
$ ——<br />
Doubles Partner:______________________ Total Fees Enclosed<br />
Please attach a copy of your <strong>USTA</strong> card and all relevant seeding information<br />
Mail Entries payable to: OTA<br />
P.O. Box 8313<br />
Omaha, NE 68108-0313<br />
Fig. 3
FAC Comment I.H-1: Tournaments post the information required by <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation I.H.2. on the TennisLink Tournament Home Page. If the following<br />
information was provided in the Online Sanction Form, it will automatically<br />
appear on the Tournament Home Page:<br />
• Entry fees;<br />
• Tournament dates;<br />
• Entry deadline;<br />
• Events and draw format (in an abbreviated format);<br />
• Primary tournament site address and telephone numbers, but only if it is<br />
the address of the Organization Member;<br />
• Tournament Director and contact information;<br />
• Tournament Referee and contact information; and<br />
• Surface type.<br />
Tournaments should post the additional information required by <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation I.H.2 using the notes function of either TDM or the Online Sanction<br />
Form. Many tournaments also post additional information such as:<br />
• Non-abbreviated form of events and draw format;<br />
• Information on doubles entries such as whether entries are accepted after<br />
the online deadline and whether the tournament will pair players with<br />
partners;<br />
• Directions to all sites;<br />
• Hotel information;<br />
• Private housing information; and<br />
• Practice court information.<br />
3. Acceptance of entries in tournaments with unlimited size draws. The<br />
Tournament Committee is responsible for accepting the entries. It shall<br />
furnish the Referee with a <strong>com</strong>plete list of entrants. The Committee may<br />
accept late entries.<br />
4. Acceptance of entries in tournaments with limited size draws. If the number<br />
of entrants exceeds the draw limit, the Tournament Committee shall accept<br />
players and alternates into the draw based on their records. It may also<br />
accept players of established ability who do not have current records, or<br />
whose records are affected by illness, injury, or lack of recent play. If the<br />
Tournament Committee is unable to determine the record of some players<br />
with timely entries, then it shall accept these players into the draw and onto<br />
the alternate list by lot and never by the date of receipt of entries.<br />
The Tournament Committee may accept late entries, provided that late<br />
entries shall be placed on the alternate list after the timely entries in an<br />
order determined by lot.<br />
The Tournament Committee shall furnish the Referee with a list of<br />
alternates listed in priority order.<br />
5. No discrimination in acceptance of entries. Entries may not be refused on the<br />
basis of race, creed, sexual orientation, color, or national origin.<br />
6. Voluntary submission of seeding information. A player who wants to be<br />
seeded should submit a player record and ranking.<br />
7. Electronic service fee. Players who enter tournaments may be charged a<br />
non-refundable fee for the receipt of electronic entries.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.H. (Entry Process) 69
8. Withdrawal from tournament and refund of entry fee. The Tournament<br />
Committee shall refund a player’s entire entry fee if the entry is not<br />
accepted. In all tournaments except <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships<br />
and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments, the Tournament Committee shall<br />
refund a player’s entire entry fee if the player withdraws no later than<br />
seven days before the start date of the tournament; no refund is required<br />
beginning six days before the start date of the tournament. See <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation IX.A.8. for entry fee refunds in the <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National<br />
Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments.<br />
The Tournament Committee shall not charge any fee (such as a<br />
processing, service, or handling fee) for refunding the entry fee.<br />
A player shall not withdraw from a tournament except for illness, injury,<br />
personal emergency, or previously authorized entry into another tournament<br />
(see <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.C.16.).<br />
9. Request for special scheduling. A player may submit a request for special<br />
scheduling with the player’s entry. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.D.4. for how<br />
the Referee handles these requests.<br />
FAC Comment I.H-2: The inclusion of the word amateur in the title for a<br />
tournament indicates that only amateurs may play in the tournament. All <strong>USTA</strong><br />
sanctioned junior tournaments other than the <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships<br />
and those tournaments authorized by the ITF are limited to amateurs. If the word<br />
amateur does not appear in the title of an adult, senior, or family tournament,<br />
then the tournament is open to amateurs and professionals.<br />
FAC Comment I.H-3: The inclusion of the word Invitational in the title means that<br />
the entry in the tournament is by invitation only. The Tournament Committee<br />
may accept players into the draw using whatever criteria it chooses so long as<br />
it does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, sexual orientation, color, or<br />
national origin.<br />
FAC Comment I.H-4: The inclusion of the word Closed in the title means that the<br />
tournament is limited to residents of a particular geographic area. The inclusion<br />
of the word Open in the title means that the tournament is open to all players<br />
regardless of where they live. Nonetheless, many Sectional Championships and<br />
Sectional Qualifying Circuits are open to residents of that Section only. In addition,<br />
special regulations limit participation in <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships to<br />
United States citizens and a few special groups. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.2.<br />
70 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS I.H. (Entry Process)
II. DRAW REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
A. Seeding<br />
While there is no requirement that every tournament have seedings, most<br />
tournaments of the elimination and <strong>com</strong>pass draw types, as distinguished from<br />
round robins, use seedings to ensure that players of recognized outstanding<br />
ability do not confront each other in the early rounds.<br />
1. Responsibility for seeding. The Tournament Committee shall determine<br />
the seedings, except that pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.4. the<br />
Director of <strong>USTA</strong> Junior Competition or the Director’s designee shall seed<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens, <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’<br />
and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic Championships (East/West), and <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regional Tournaments after consulting with the Tournament Committee.<br />
2. Number of seeds. The number of players seeded shall equal a power of two<br />
(for example, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32). The maximum ratio of players seeded shall<br />
be one in three, except that any draw may have two seeds.<br />
FAC Comment II.A-1: The decision on whether to round up or down to a power<br />
of two depends in large part on the availability of adequate seeding information.<br />
The Tournament Committee should round up to the next power of two when<br />
adequate information is available. Examples: A draw of 24 could have either four<br />
or eight seeds depending on the information available, but a draw of 23 could<br />
have no more than four seeds. Similarly, a draw of 96 could have either 16 or<br />
32 seeds, but a draw of 95 could have no more than 16 seeds. A draw of 3 or 4<br />
could have two seeds.<br />
FAC Comment II.A-2: ITF tournament regulations permit no more than 16 seeds<br />
in tournaments that are part of an ITF circuit. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Adult, Senior, and<br />
Family National Championships in the Men’s 35-85 and Women’s 35-80 Divisions<br />
follow the ITF tournament regulations.<br />
3. Listing seeds. The Referee shall list the seeded players in the draw in<br />
numerical order to the extent that the Referee has information available<br />
to do so, and then the Referee shall list all other seeded players in groups.<br />
For example, if the first 5 seeds are numerically seeded, seeds 6 through<br />
8 could be grouped.<br />
4. Seeding methods<br />
a. All Factors Method. The All Factors Method of seeding is based on<br />
the players’ chances of winning the tournament as determined by<br />
the Tournament Committee. The Tournament Committee shall<br />
consider all reasonably available information, including ranking lists,<br />
standing lists, recent records, types of surface, and particularly<br />
head-to-head encounters.<br />
FAC Comment II.A-3: When using the All Factors Method of seeding, it is <strong>com</strong>mon<br />
to start with a recent ranking or standing list and use other information to enhance<br />
the accuracy of the list. The Tournament Committee shall not rely on just the<br />
current rankings or standings. The Tournament Committee shall consider all<br />
reasonably available information including results from unsanctioned matches. It<br />
should take care to assure itself that all results are correct. The task of seeding<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.A. (Seeding) 71
players is difficult when players do not provide <strong>com</strong>plete information with their<br />
entries. The Tournament Committee should make every effort to obtain additional<br />
information from all available sources.<br />
FAC Comment II.A-4: Some <strong>com</strong>mon errors in seeding: “He’s ranked No. 1, so he<br />
must be seeded No. 1”; She won the tournament last year, so she must be seeded<br />
No. 1 this year”; “Since this is his first year as a senior and he has no record in<br />
senior play, he cannot be seeded or he cannot be seeded any higher than five.”<br />
FAC Comment II.A-5: Two outstanding doubles players playing together for the<br />
first time shall be considered for a seed.<br />
b. Computerized List Method. A Computerized List Method of seeding<br />
is based on a <strong>com</strong>puterized system of rankings or standings.<br />
5. Seeding in National tournaments.<br />
a. Juniors. <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens,<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments, and <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18<br />
Interscholastic Championships (East/West) shall use a Computerized<br />
List Method and shall follow the seeding criteria in Table 16.<br />
b. Adult, Senior, and Family. Seeding for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Adult, Senior,<br />
and Family National Championships shall use the All Factors Method<br />
of seeding.<br />
c. Wheelchair. The tournament <strong>com</strong>mittees of Category I <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Wheelchair National Championships may choose to use either the All<br />
Factors Method of seeding or a Computerized List Method of<br />
seeding. The Wheelchair Committee shall establish and publish the<br />
seeding criteria to be followed when using a Computerized List<br />
Method of seeding. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIII.A.3.c<br />
6. Seeding in tournaments other than National tournaments. Sectional<br />
Associations may require all or some of their tournaments to use the All<br />
Factors Method of seeding or a Computerized List Method of seeding. If a<br />
Sectional Association requires the use of a Computerized List Method of<br />
seeding, it shall publish its seeding criteria. The Sectional Associations may<br />
also allow their District Associations or subdivisions to make this decision.<br />
In this case, the District or subdivision shall publish its seeding criteria.<br />
FAC Comment II.A-6: Sectional or District Associations may require some<br />
tournaments to use a Computerized List Method of seeding and other<br />
tournaments to use the All Factors Method of seeding. The Sectional or District<br />
Associations may also leave the choice to the Tournament Committee.<br />
7. Publication of method of seeding and seeding criteria. All tournaments shall<br />
publish the method of seeding and the seeding criteria.<br />
8. Seeding Groups. Seeding groups refer to 1, 2, 3-4, 5-8, 9-16, and 17-32. A<br />
seeding group is treated separately in that players within that group are<br />
drawn to lines in the draw that are specifically designated for that group.<br />
The concept of seeding groups is important when the draw needs to be<br />
changed. Changes may be required if a:<br />
72 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.A. (Seeding)
• Player in the draw was not seeded but should have been seeded<br />
(See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.C.4);<br />
• Player who should have been seeded was omitted from the draw<br />
(See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.C.2.b.); or<br />
• Seeded player withdraws (See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.C.1.a.).<br />
9. Placing is prohibited. Placing occurs, for example, when the Committee in<br />
a 16-draw tournament seeds four and “places” four. The practice of placing<br />
is an attempt to hide the fact that in reality eight players have been seeded<br />
instead of the permissible maximum of four. The rule of “one in three” was<br />
established to provide some matches between strong players in the first<br />
round, to increase the variety of a player’s opponents, and to get away from<br />
the “strong-weak-strong-weak” pattern in the draw, thereby giving players<br />
who are usually first-round losers an occasional opportunity to meet each<br />
other and advance to the second or third round.<br />
10. Block seeding. Block seeding refers to the practice of advancing the<br />
seeded player several rounds into the tournament. The unseeded players<br />
play matches to reach the round where the seeded players have already<br />
been stationed. The purpose of this practice is to allow the unseeded<br />
players to play several matches before playing a seeded player. Block<br />
seeding is authorized in tournaments at the level of sectional<br />
championships and below.<br />
B. Making the Draw<br />
1. Public draw. The draw, <strong>com</strong>puter or manual, shall be made in public at the<br />
time and place specified by the Tournament Committee.<br />
2. Draw made by Referee or Deputy Referee. The Referee or a Deputy<br />
Referee, assisted by at least one Tournament Committee member and<br />
preferably by two members, shall make the draw. The Referee and the<br />
Deputy Referee shall be jointly responsible for the draw’s <strong>com</strong>pliance<br />
with applicable <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations. If the Referee has a Deputy Referee<br />
make the draw, the Referee shall determine when the Deputy Referee<br />
shall return the draw to the Referee, at which time the authority of the<br />
Deputy Referee over the draw ceases.<br />
FAC Comment II.B-1: When a District or Sectional office or the National office<br />
has a person who assists the Referee in making the draw, the process is for this<br />
person to be appointed as a Deputy Referee and to serve as a member of the<br />
Tournament Committee as long as the person’s authority as a Deputy Referee<br />
remains in place. These Deputy Referees should be certified as Referees by<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> or should have undergone current <strong>USTA</strong> Referee training.<br />
3. Draw formats. <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations describe the procedures that Referees<br />
shall follow when they run single elimination draws, First Match Losers<br />
Consolations, Feed-In Championships, round robins, and <strong>com</strong>pass<br />
draws. Tournaments may use other draw formats. When a tournament<br />
uses other formats, the Referee shall post at the tournament the<br />
procedures defining the format before the start of play. Referees shall<br />
follow <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations except for those <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations changed by<br />
the posted procedures.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making the Draw) 73
4. Main draw. When the number of players is 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, or any<br />
higher power of two, they shall meet in even pairs in progressive elimination<br />
in accordance with the following pattern:<br />
a. Balancing the seeds. The principle of drawing to position the seeds<br />
shall be applied so that the same number of seeds will fall in each<br />
half of the draw, in each quarter of the draw, etc.<br />
A<br />
B<br />
B<br />
C<br />
D<br />
D<br />
D<br />
E<br />
F<br />
F<br />
D<br />
G<br />
H<br />
H<br />
H<br />
b. Positioning seeds. The first seed shall be positioned on the top line of the<br />
draw, and the second seed shall be positioned on the bottom line of the<br />
draw. The position of the remaining seeds shall be determined by lot<br />
using the procedure described below, with each seeded player in the<br />
top half of the draw being positioned on the top line of the bracket for<br />
which that seed is drawn, and each seeded player in the bottom half of<br />
the draw being positioned on the bottom line of the bracket for which<br />
that seed is drawn. Examples of the procedure for different size draws<br />
with the maximum number of seeds allowed are as follows:<br />
• 12-16 draw with 4 seeds.<br />
Seed 1 Line 1<br />
Seed 2 Line 16<br />
Seeds 3 & 4 Drawn at random for line 5 or 12<br />
• 24-32 draw with 8 seeds.<br />
Seed 1 Line 1<br />
Seed 2 Line 32<br />
Seeds 3 & 4 Drawn at random for line 9 or 24<br />
Seeds 5-8 Drawn at random for line 5, 13, 20, or 28<br />
• 48-64 draw with 16 seeds.<br />
Seed 1 Line 1<br />
Seed 2 Line 64<br />
Seeds 3 & 4 Drawn at random for line 17 or 48<br />
Seeds 5-8 Drawn at random for line 9, 25, 40, or 56<br />
Seeds 9-16 Drawn at random for line 5, 13, 21, 29, 36, 44,<br />
52, or 60<br />
• 96-128 draw with 32 seeds.<br />
Seed 1 Line 1<br />
Seed 2 Line 128<br />
Seeds 3 & 4 Drawn at random for line 33 or 96<br />
Seeds 5-8 Drawn at random for line 17, 49, 80 or 112<br />
Seeds 9-16 Drawn at random for line 9, 25, 41, 57, 72, 88,<br />
104, or 120<br />
Seeds 17-32 Drawn at random for line 5, 13, 21, 29, 37, 45,<br />
53, 61, 68, 76, 84, 92, 100, 108, 116, or 124<br />
74 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw)
c. Using byes to fill out draw. When there are not enough players to<br />
put one player on each line in the draw, byes are added. This serves<br />
to bring to the second round a player on each line so that there can<br />
be an orderly progression down to two finalists. For example, with<br />
27 players, five of the lines on a 32-draw sheet would be marked<br />
bye, and the five players drawn opposite those lines would move<br />
into the second round without playing a match, to be joined there by<br />
the 11 winners of first round matches to make up an even 16.<br />
d. Placing byes.<br />
i. Standard method.<br />
(A) To seeded players in descending order.<br />
• The byes shall go to seeded players in descending<br />
order.<br />
• Remaining byes shall be distributed so that the<br />
total number of byes are evenly distributed by<br />
quarters and halves. No further attempt to balance<br />
the byes by eighths or sixteenths shall be made.<br />
• Byes drawn to the top half of the draw shall be<br />
positioned on even-numbered lines; byes drawn<br />
to the bottom half of the draw shall be<br />
positioned on odd-numbered lines.<br />
If group seeding is used and there are fewer<br />
byes available than there are players in the group,<br />
then a drawing is used to determine which seeds<br />
within the group get the available byes. (For<br />
example, there is a draw of 27 in which seeds 1<br />
through 3 are seeded numerically and the next<br />
five seeded players are seeded as a group. The<br />
first three byes go to the first three seeds. A<br />
drawing determines which group seed is<br />
assigned to the #4 seed line. This player receives<br />
a bye. The four remaining group seeds are drawn<br />
randomly to the lines for the 5th through 8th<br />
seeds. A drawing determines which of the three<br />
remaining group seeds receives the final bye.)<br />
(B) To lines opposite seeds if one in every four players had been<br />
seeded. If there are more byes than seeded players, then the<br />
byes shall be positioned on the lines opposite the lines<br />
where additional seeds would have been positioned had the<br />
draw been full and had the tournament seeded one in four<br />
players. (For example, in a draw of 25 with 4 seeds and 7<br />
byes, the first four byes would go on lines opposite seeds<br />
1 through 4 and the next three byes would go on lines<br />
opposite the lines where seeds 5 through 7 would have<br />
gone. This would put these three byes randomly on three<br />
of the following lines 6, 14, 19, or 27.)<br />
(C) Remaining byes. If the number of byes remaining to be<br />
distributed is not divisible by four, then the quarter or<br />
quarters that receive one more bye than the other quarter<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw) 75
or quarters shall be determined by lot. The Referee should<br />
note the order in which the remaining byes are placed in<br />
the draw in the event that this information is needed later<br />
for placing an omitted player in the draw.<br />
(D) Examples.<br />
After all seeds have received byes, or in the absence of<br />
seeding, the byes are drawn as follows:<br />
Draw of 16. The 1st and 2nd byes are drawn for lines 2<br />
and 15, the 3rd and 4th byes are drawn for lines 6 and<br />
11, and byes 5-7 are drawn among lines 4, 8, 9, and 13<br />
(balanced by half);<br />
Draw of 32. The 1st and 2nd byes are drawn for lines 2 and<br />
31, the 3rd and 4th byes are drawn for lines 10 and 23, byes<br />
5-8 are drawn among lines 6, 14, 19, and 27 (balanced by<br />
half); and byes 9-15 are drawn among lines 4, 8, 12, 16, 17,<br />
21, 25, and 29 (balanced by quarter and half);<br />
Draw of 64. The 1st and 2nd byes are drawn for lines 2<br />
and 63, and 3rd and 4th byes are drawn for lines 18 and<br />
47, byes 5-8 are drawn among lines 10, 26, 39, and 55<br />
(balanced by half), byes 9-16 are drawn among lines 6,<br />
14, 22, 30, 35, 43, 51, and 59 (balanced by quarter and<br />
half) and byes 17-31 are drawn among lines 4, 8, 12, 16,<br />
20, 24, 28, 32, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, and 61<br />
(balanced by quarter and half);<br />
Draw of 128. The 1st and 2nd byes are drawn for lines 2<br />
and 127, the 3rd and 4th byes are drawn for lines 34 and<br />
95, byes 5-8 are drawn among lines 18, 50, 79, and 111<br />
(balanced by half), byes 9-16 are drawn among lines 10,<br />
26, 42, 58, 71, 87, 103, and 119 (balanced by quarter and<br />
half), byes 17-32 are drawn among lines 6, 14, 22, 30, 38,<br />
46, 54, 62, 67, 75, 83, 91, 99, 107, 115, and 123 (balanced<br />
by quarter and half) and byes 33-63 are drawn among lines<br />
4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64,<br />
65, 69, 73, 77, 81, 85, 89, 93, 97, 101, 105, 109, 113, 117,<br />
121, and 125 (balanced by quarter and half).<br />
ii. Alternate method for distributing byes when there is a Feed-<br />
In Championship and the first two rounds of the main draw in<br />
a division are scheduled on the same day. The following<br />
method is an option for tournaments with a Feed-In<br />
Championship in which the first two rounds of the main draw<br />
of a division are scheduled on the same day.<br />
• First, distribute byes to all the seeds.<br />
• Second, distribute byes so that the seeded players who<br />
receive byes will be playing other players who have also<br />
received byes. If there are not enough byes so that<br />
every seeded player is playing another player who has<br />
received a bye, then position these byes adjacent to the<br />
seeded players starting with the lowest seeded player.<br />
• Third, distribute a pair of byes in the fourth quarter of the<br />
76 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw)
draw starting from the bottom up; distribute a pair of byes<br />
in the first quarter of the draw starting from the top<br />
down; distribute a pair of byes in the third quarter of the<br />
draw starting from the bottom up; distribute a pair of<br />
byes in the second quarter of the draw starting from the<br />
top down; and repeat the cycle (fourth quarter, first<br />
quarter, third quarter, and second quarter) until all the<br />
byes have been distributed.<br />
iii. Second alternative method of placing byes.<br />
• Byes go to seeded players in descending order.<br />
• Remaining byes are placed starting at the extremes of the<br />
first quarter and fourth quarter. The first bye goes on the<br />
first available even-numbered line below the top line of<br />
the first quarter. The second bye goes on the first available<br />
odd-numbered line above the bottom line of the fourth<br />
quarter. The third bye goes on the next available evennumbered<br />
line below the top line of the first quarter. The<br />
fourth bye goes on the next available odd-numbered line<br />
above the bottom line of the fourth quarter, etc. If the first<br />
and fourth quarters are filled, byes are added by<br />
alternating between the second and fourth quarters using<br />
the same procedure.<br />
iv. Third alternate method of placing byes.<br />
• Byes go to seeded players in descending order.<br />
• Remaining byes are placed starting at the extremes of the<br />
first quarter and third quarter. The first bye goes on the<br />
first available even-numbered line below the top line of<br />
the first quarter. The second bye goes on the first available<br />
odd-numbered line above the bottom line of the third<br />
quarter. The third bye goes on the next available evennumbered<br />
line below the top line of the first quarter. The<br />
fourth bye goes on the next available odd-numbered line<br />
above the bottom line of the third quarter, etc. If the first<br />
and third quarters are filled, byes are added by alternating<br />
between the second and fourth quarters using the same<br />
procedure.<br />
FAC Comment II.B-2: The standard method, described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
II.B.4.d.i., should be used for most tournaments including those that use a<br />
Curtis Consolation or Modified Curtis Consolation. The Referee generally<br />
should choose an alternate method only when there is a distinct scheduling<br />
advantage to doing so.<br />
• The first alternate method, described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.d.ii.,<br />
works well when there is a Feed-In Championship in which the first two<br />
rounds of FIC are scheduled on the same day.<br />
• The second alternate method, described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
II.B.4.d.iii., increases the number of second round matches in which<br />
both players have first round byes. This may facilitate scheduling<br />
because players with byes are not waiting for their opponents to finish<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw) 77
first round matches. If there is a First Match Loser Consolation, a player<br />
with a bye who loses in the second round will often receive a bye in the<br />
consolation and face another player who also lost after receiving a first<br />
round bye. This method should not be used in a tournament with a<br />
Feed-In Championship.<br />
• The third alternate method, described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.d.iv.,<br />
will shorten by one day a tournament that plays only one singles match<br />
a day and that has a Feed-In Championship with a draw only slightly<br />
larger than a power of two. (For example, the system works for a draw<br />
of 16 with up to 10 players, a draw of 32 with up to 20 players, a draw<br />
of 64 with up to 40 players, and a draw of 128 with up to 80 players.)<br />
v. Method of placing byes in tournaments with consolation<br />
draw. In addition to any method for distributing byes in<br />
tournaments with consolation draws set forth in <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation II.B., the byes may be distributed as follows:<br />
• Byes go to seeded players in descending order.<br />
• Remaining byes are placed starting at the extremes<br />
of the first quarter and third quarter. The<br />
first bye goes on the first available even-numbered<br />
line below the top line of the first quarter.<br />
The second bye goes on the first available oddnumbered<br />
line above the bottom line of the third<br />
quarter. The third bye goes on the next available<br />
even-numbered line below the top line of the<br />
first quarter. The fourth bye goes on the next<br />
available odd-numbered line above the bottom<br />
line of the third quarter, etc. If the first and third<br />
quarters are filled, byes are added by alternating<br />
between the second and fourth quarters using<br />
the same procedure.<br />
e. Byes not moved when player withdraws. Once the byes are inserted<br />
in the draw, their positions shall not be changed even if a player<br />
withdraws. But see <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.C.1.b.iv. when a withdrawal<br />
creates a double bye.<br />
f. Filling in unseeded players by lot. Once the seeded players and the byes<br />
have been written in, the rest of the draw shall be filled in by drawing<br />
the names of the remaining players and putting them on the<br />
unoccupied lines in the order in which they are drawn, starting at the<br />
top and moving downward in sequence.<br />
g. Discretionary procedure for separating opponents. When the drawing<br />
procedure operates to bring together for their first match opponents<br />
from the same area, city, state, family, school, foreign country, club,<br />
doubles team, Sectional Association, or District Association, the<br />
Referee has the discretion to place the second name drawn on the<br />
corresponding line of the next quarter of the draw. If this happens in<br />
the fourth quarter of the draw, the second name may be exchanged<br />
with the name on the corresponding line in one of the three preceding<br />
78 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw)
quarters, the specific one of these quarters being determined by<br />
drawing. If this system places the second-drawn player into a seed or<br />
bye slot, the name shall be moved to successive quarters until it can<br />
be put on a vacant line or exchanged with that of an unseeded player.<br />
FAC Comment II.B-3: <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.g. allows the Referee great<br />
discretion in determining whether players are from the the same area.<br />
Depending on the draw, the Referee may decide to separate players from the<br />
same District, zone, state, region of the state, or city. The TDM program is not<br />
always able to separate all players who need to be separated. The Referee<br />
should check the draw to determine whether improvement can be made. For<br />
example, a National Open may have so many players from the host Section<br />
that first round matches between some of these players are unavoidable. In<br />
these situations, the Referee should separate players within the host Section<br />
by Districts, cities, states, or other division that will separate players from the<br />
same general geographic area.<br />
FAC Example of Positioning Seeds and Byes in a Draw of 22 with 4 Seeds and<br />
10 Byes. See Figure 4.<br />
Bill Merritt is seeded first; Gary Olson is seeded second; Jim Harper is seeded<br />
third; and Tom Jones is seeded fourth. There are 22 players.<br />
1. Positioning the seeds (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.b.). First seed Bill<br />
Merritt is placed on line 1; Second seed Gary Olson is placed on line 32.<br />
A draw determines whether the third seed Jim Harper goes to the top<br />
or bottom half. In this example Harper is drawn to the bottom half so<br />
his name goes on line 24, and Tom Jones goes on line 9.<br />
2. Placement of the byes.<br />
a. To seeded players in descending order (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
II.B.4.d.i.). The first four byes go opposite the names of the seeds.<br />
This puts byes on lines 2,10, 23, and 31.<br />
b. To lines opposite seeds if one in every four players had been<br />
seeded (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.d.i.(C)). If there had been a full<br />
draw of 32 and one in four players had been seeded, there would<br />
have been eight seeds. Since Seeds 5 through 8 would have gone<br />
on lines 5, 13, 20, and 28, byes go on lines 6, 14, 19, and 27.<br />
c. Remaining byes (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.d.i.(B)). Two byes still<br />
need to be placed and need to be balanced by halves and by<br />
quarters. One bye should go in each half. A drawing determines<br />
which quarter in each half gets an additional bye. In this example<br />
the drawing determined that the first and fourth quarters get the<br />
additional byes. These byes could go on lines 4 or 8 and on lines<br />
25 or 29. A drawing determined that the additional byes go on<br />
lines 8 and 29.<br />
3. Filling in unseeded players by lot (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.f.). The 18<br />
unseeded players are drawn randomly to the 18 remaining empty lines.<br />
5. Consolation draw. Except where otherwise provided a First Match Losers<br />
Consolation (FMLC) draw or a Feed-In Championship (FIC) draw may be<br />
used. Consolation matches should be conducted under the same<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw) 79
Positioning Seeds and Byes in Draw of 32 with 22 Players<br />
Fig. 4<br />
80 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw)
conditions as main-draw matches, including the use of new tennis balls,<br />
so that results will be valid for ranking purposes.<br />
a. Instructions for a First Match Losers Consolation (FMLC).<br />
The loser’s name is placed on the same line on the consolation draw<br />
as the player would have occupied on the main draw had the player<br />
won there.<br />
This type of consolation normally does not require a new drawing.<br />
An advantage to this consolation is that times may be scheduled in<br />
advance and, if so desired, the consolation may be scheduled so as<br />
to keep pace with main-draw play.<br />
A player who wins in the first round by default and then loses in the<br />
second round moves into the consolation draw just as though the player<br />
had a first round bye followed by a second round main-draw loss.<br />
A player who loses the player’s first-played match in the third<br />
round of the main draw may request that the Referee include the<br />
player in the consolation. The Referee shall decide based on available<br />
openings and scheduling considerations.<br />
b. Instructions for Feed-In Championship through quarterfinals for draw<br />
of 128.<br />
i. Assigning numbers to each player. Each player retains the<br />
player’s number from the regular draw sheet, 1 through 128.<br />
ii. Placing first-round losers in FIC draw. First-round losers from<br />
the regular tournament are entered on the FIC draw sheet, loser<br />
1 or 2 versus loser 3 or 4, etc.<br />
iii. Feeding in main-draw second-round losers. The winners of these<br />
first-round FIC matches play the losers from the second round<br />
of the regular tournament in the second round of the FIC.<br />
iv. Feeding in other main-draw round losers. The winners of the FIC<br />
second-round play third-round qualifying matches to determine<br />
who will meet the third-round losers from the regular tournament.<br />
This sequence is carried through the quarterfinal round.<br />
v. Where to feed in main-draw losers. Each loser shall be fed in to<br />
the FIC space corresponding to the number opposite the<br />
player’s name in the regular tournament.<br />
For example, the second-round loser 1, 2, 3, or 4 is placed at<br />
the bottom of the FIC draw sheet and will play the winner of the<br />
125 or 126 versus 127 or 128.<br />
The second-round loser who is fed in is one of four numbers,<br />
and the quarterfinalist is one of eight numbers.<br />
FAC Example of Positioning Seeds and Byes in draw of 11 with 2 Seeds and 5<br />
Byes and Example of Resulting Feed-In Championship draw. See Figure 5.<br />
Joe Green is seeded first; Robert Red is seeded second. There are 11 players.<br />
1. Positioning seeds (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.b.). First seed Joe Green is<br />
placed on line 1; second seed Robert Red is placed on line 16.<br />
2. Placing byes.<br />
a. To seeded players in descending order (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
II.B.4.d.ii.). The first two byes go opposite the names of the seeds.<br />
This puts byes on lines 2 and 15.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw) 81
Main Draw<br />
1.<br />
2.<br />
3.<br />
4.<br />
5.<br />
6.<br />
7.<br />
8.<br />
9.<br />
10.<br />
11.<br />
12.<br />
13.<br />
14.<br />
15.<br />
16.<br />
Positioning Players in Feed-In Championship Draw<br />
First Round Second Round Quarterfinals Semifinals Final<br />
Joe Green Seeded Players<br />
Green 1. Joe Green<br />
Bye 2. Robert Red<br />
Green<br />
Steve Black 6-1, 6-0<br />
Black<br />
Ed Orange Def.<br />
Green<br />
George Blue 7-5, 6-1<br />
Blue<br />
Bye<br />
Violet<br />
Al Gray 6-2, 6-2<br />
Violet<br />
Norm Violet 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2)<br />
Green<br />
Roger White 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-4<br />
White<br />
Henry Yellow 6-2, 7-5<br />
Pink<br />
Bye 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-3<br />
Pink<br />
Paul Pink<br />
Red<br />
Bye 2-6, 6-4, 6-4<br />
Purple<br />
Jim Purple<br />
Red<br />
Bye 6-2, 6-3<br />
Red<br />
Robert Red<br />
Feed-In Championship<br />
Purple (L13-16)<br />
Bye (L1-2) Purple<br />
7-5, 6-4<br />
Orange<br />
Orange (L3-4) Gray<br />
7-5, 2-6, 6-4<br />
White (L9-12)<br />
Bye (L5-6) Gray<br />
6-2, 6-4<br />
Gray<br />
Gray (L7-8)<br />
Yellow (L9-10)<br />
Yellow<br />
Blue<br />
Bye (L11-12) 6-3, 6-2<br />
Blue (L5-8)<br />
Bye (L13-14) Black<br />
Bye 6-2, 6-1<br />
Black<br />
Bye (L15-16)<br />
Black (L1-4)<br />
* Ed Orange was defaulted since he was late. Because his car broke down, the Referee decided<br />
to let him play in the Feed-In Championship draw.<br />
Fig. 5<br />
82 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw)<br />
Gray<br />
6-3, 6-3
. To lines opposite seeds if four players had been seeded (<strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation II.B.4.d.i.(B)). If there had been a full draw of 16 and<br />
four players had been seeded, the third and fourth seeds would have<br />
gone on lines 5 and 12. Byes should go on lines 6 and 11.<br />
c. Remaining byes (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.d.i.(C)). Four byes have<br />
been placed; one bye still needs to be placed. A drawing is held to<br />
determine the quarter in which the bye is placed. In this example<br />
the drawing determined that the bye goes in the fourth quarter. This<br />
means that it goes on line 13.<br />
3. Filling in unseeded players by lot (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.f.). The 9<br />
unseeded players are drawn randomly to the 9 remaining empty lines.<br />
FAC Comment II.B-4: Curtis Consolation. See Figure 6. When there is a<br />
shortage of courts or when a Feed-In Championship needs to be played in a limited<br />
amount of time, some tournaments use a special Feed-In Championship<br />
format. One of the most widely known is the Modified Curtis Consolation (CC).<br />
This format works when there is a:<br />
• Draw of 256 with up to 192 entrants;<br />
• Draw of 128 with up to 96 entrants;<br />
• Draw of 64 with up to 48 entrants; or<br />
• Draw of 32 with up to 24 entrants.<br />
1. Modified Curtis Consolation (CC) for draw of 64 with up to 48 entrants.<br />
a. Byes. The top half of the first and second quarters and the bottom<br />
half of the third and fourth quarters of the CC draw will<br />
automatically be filled with byes. (In the main draw, the byes are first<br />
placed opposite the seeds and after that are placed opposite those<br />
lines where seeds would have been placed if the tournament had<br />
chosen to seed 16 players. The byes that automatically end up in the<br />
top half of the first and second quarters and the bottom half of the<br />
third and fourth quarters of the CC <strong>com</strong>e from those lines.) Any<br />
additional byes are placed in the CC draw on the designated line just<br />
as if “bye” were the loser of a first-round match.<br />
b. First-round losers. The first-round losers from the main draw are fed<br />
into the bottom half of the first and second quarters and the top half<br />
of the third and fourth quarters of the CC draw on the designated lines.<br />
c. Second-round losers. The second-round losers from the main<br />
draw are fed into the second-round throughout the CC draw on<br />
the designated lines.<br />
d. Round of 16 and quarterfinal losers. Round of 16 and quarterfinal<br />
losers are not fed into the CC draw. Instead a standard Feed-in<br />
Championship involving only these players is held, or separate<br />
single elimination <strong>com</strong>petitions are held for each of these groups.<br />
e. Third-place playoff. The losing semifinalists in the main draw play<br />
off for third place.<br />
f. Not all consolation finals held. The tournament should<br />
decide in advance which events will be played through the finals.<br />
It is <strong>com</strong>mon to play the two or three consolations through the<br />
semifinals only.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw) 83
g. Example of scheduling with separate single elimination<br />
consolations for round-of-16 losers and quarterfinals losers.<br />
First day First two rounds of main draw (16+16 matches)<br />
First round of CC (8 matches)<br />
Second day Round-of-16 and quarterfinals of main draw (8+4<br />
matches)<br />
Second round of CC (8 matches)<br />
Quarterfinal qualifying of CC (8 matches)<br />
Quarterfinals of round-of-16 consolation<br />
(4 matches)<br />
Third day Semifinals and finals of main draw<br />
(2+1 matches)<br />
Quarterfinals and semifinals of CC<br />
(4+2 matches)<br />
Semifinals and finals of round-of-16 consolation (2+1<br />
matches)<br />
Semifinals and finals of quarterfinal consolation (2+1<br />
matches)<br />
Third-place playoff (1 match)<br />
Note in this schedule, the CC is the only consolation not<br />
<strong>com</strong>pleted.<br />
2. Full Curtis Consolation for draw of 64 with up to 48 entrants. The Curtis<br />
format also may be used when playing a full Feed-In Championship.<br />
The special Curtis format is followed for feeding in the first-round<br />
losers. The second-round losers, round-of-16 losers, and quarterfinal<br />
losers from the main draw are fed into the Full Curtis Consolation draw<br />
in the same manner that they would be fed into a regular Feed-In<br />
Championship draw. The Full Curtis Consolation draw, which consists<br />
of eight rounds instead of the six rounds of the Modified Curtis<br />
Consolation draw, may be <strong>com</strong>pleted in five days.<br />
3. Draw of 128 with up to 96 entrants. Follow the same pattern as in the<br />
draw of 64. In addition to first- and second-round losers, feed in the<br />
third-round losers. The byes will automatically show up in the top half of<br />
the first and second quarters and the bottom half of the third and fourth<br />
quarters. Playoffs for the round-of-16 and quarterfinal losers are held.<br />
The CC draw of 128 with associated consolations can be <strong>com</strong>pleted in<br />
four days.<br />
vi. Determining first through fifth places. FIC semifinal and final<br />
rounds are played to determine the winner of the FIC. The FIC<br />
winner is the fifth-place finisher in the tournament. The loser of<br />
the FIC final is the sixth-place finisher. Third and fourth places<br />
are determined by a play-off between the semifinal losers in the<br />
main draw. The loser of the final in the main draw is the secondplace<br />
finisher.<br />
vii. Determining additional places. Additional places may be<br />
obtained by having the semifinal losers in the FIC play-off for<br />
seventh and eighth places.<br />
84 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw)
Modified Curtis Feed-In Championship Draw<br />
Draw of 64 with 48 players<br />
Quarterfinal<br />
First Round<br />
Bye 2<br />
Second Round<br />
Bye<br />
Qualifying Quarterfinals Semifinals Final<br />
Bye 6<br />
61-64<br />
Bye 10<br />
61-64<br />
Bye<br />
Bye 14<br />
3-4<br />
7-8<br />
11-12<br />
57-60<br />
53-56<br />
57-60<br />
15-16<br />
Bye 18<br />
49-52<br />
Bye<br />
Bye 22<br />
Bye 26<br />
45-48<br />
45-48<br />
Bye<br />
Bye 30<br />
41-44<br />
19-20<br />
23-24<br />
41-44<br />
27-28<br />
31-32<br />
37-40<br />
33-34<br />
37-38<br />
33-36<br />
41-42<br />
45-46<br />
29-32<br />
Bye 35<br />
25-28<br />
Bye<br />
Bye 39<br />
21-24<br />
21-24<br />
Bye 43<br />
Bye<br />
Bye 47<br />
17-20<br />
49-50<br />
53-54<br />
17-20<br />
57-58<br />
61-62<br />
13-16<br />
Bye 51<br />
9-12<br />
Bye 55<br />
Bye<br />
5-8<br />
Bye 59<br />
5-8<br />
Bye 63<br />
Bye<br />
1-4<br />
1-4<br />
Fig. 6<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw) 85
viii. Placing byes. Any byes are fed into the FIC draw just as though<br />
they were players. If 2 is a bye in the regular tournament, the word<br />
“bye” will be written in the space 1 or 2 under the FIC first<br />
round.<br />
ix. Scheduling considerations. FIC first-, second-, third-, fourth-, or<br />
quarterfinal-round matches should not be scheduled on the same<br />
day as the first-, second-, third-, fourth-, or quarterfinal-round<br />
matches in the main draw. Instead, these matches should be<br />
scheduled the following morning early and the qualifying matches<br />
that afternoon.<br />
c. Participation of player in consolation or place playoffs. A player who is<br />
defaulted from the player’s first match for a reason other than<br />
misconduct or withdraws from the first match because of injury,<br />
illness, or personal emergency may play in the consolation unless an<br />
on-site alternate takes the player’s place in the draw. A player who is<br />
defaulted from a subsequent match for a reason other than<br />
misconduct, decides not to play a subsequent match because of injury,<br />
illness, or personal emergency, or retires from a match may play in the<br />
consolation and place playoffs. See also <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.E.6.<br />
6. Round robin.<br />
a. When authorized. Round robin draws may be used in any tournament<br />
for which the entry form states that the tournament shall be played<br />
using a round robin format. Additionally, a Round Robin draw may be<br />
used in any division in any tournament in which there are eight or<br />
fewer players or teams entered.<br />
b. Procedure. Each player in the round robin shall play every other player<br />
in the round robin.<br />
c. Determining order of finish. The player who wins the most matches<br />
is the winner. If two players are tied, then the winner of their headto-head<br />
match is the winner.<br />
If three or more players are tied, the Referee shall use the<br />
following steps in the order listed to break all ties. The Referee shall<br />
break as many ties as possible using a given step before using the<br />
next step. These steps are:<br />
• The head-to-head win-loss record in matches involving just the<br />
tied players;<br />
• The player with the highest percentage of sets won of all sets<br />
<strong>com</strong>pleted;<br />
• The head-to-head win-loss record in matches involving the players<br />
who remain tied;<br />
• The player with the highest percentage of games won of all games<br />
<strong>com</strong>pleted;<br />
• The head-to-head win-loss record in matches involving the players<br />
who remain tied;<br />
• The player with the highest percentage of sets won of sets <strong>com</strong>pleted<br />
among players in the group under consideration;<br />
• The head-to-head win-loss record in matches involving the players<br />
who remain tied;<br />
86 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw)
• The player with the highest percentage of games won of games<br />
<strong>com</strong>pleted among the players under consideration; and<br />
• The head-to-head win-loss record in matches involving the players<br />
who remain tied.<br />
If the Referee has applied all the steps and a tie still cannot be broken, the<br />
Referee shall use a random drawing among the remaining tied players to<br />
determine their order of finish.<br />
FAC Comment II.B-5: A 10-Point Match Tiebreak played in lieu of a deciding final<br />
set counts as both one set and one game for the purpose of determining the order<br />
of finish. If the players inadvertently play out the third set or any portion thereof, it<br />
will still count as only one set and one game.<br />
For the next three <strong>com</strong>ments, assume that Adams, Baker, and Charles have<br />
identical 4-1 records. Adams has a win over Baker; Baker has a win over Charles;<br />
and Charles has a win over Adams.<br />
FAC Comment II.B-6: Adams has the highest percentage of all sets won, and<br />
Charles has the second highest percentage of sets won. What is the order of<br />
finish? Adams is first; Charles is second; and Baker is third because application<br />
of the percentage of all sets won procedure breaks all of the ties.<br />
FAC Comment II.B-7: Adams and Baker have won the same percentage<br />
of all sets. Charles has won a lower percentage of all sets than Adams and<br />
Baker. What is the order of finish? Charles finishes third because Charles has<br />
the lowest percentage of sets won. This is the only tie that can be broken by the<br />
percentage of all sets won procedure. The Referee next turns to the head-tohead<br />
record between Adams and Baker. Adams finishes first because of the<br />
head-to-head win over Baker.<br />
FAC Comment II.B-8: Adams has the best percentage of all sets won. Baker<br />
and Charles have the same percentage of all sets won. What is the order of<br />
finish? Adams finishes first because Adams has the best percentage of all sets<br />
won. This is the only tie that can be broken by percentage of all sets won<br />
procedure. The Referee next turns to head-to-head record between Baker and<br />
Charles. Baker finishes second because of the head-to-head win over Charles.<br />
d. Defaults, withdrawals, walkovers, and retirements. A player is credited<br />
with a win in the round robin if:<br />
• The opponent withdraws;<br />
• The opponent creates a walkover;<br />
• The opponent retires; or<br />
• An official defaults the opponent.<br />
When breaking a tie, only <strong>com</strong>pleted sets count as sets won and<br />
only <strong>com</strong>pleted games count as games won. A player who is<br />
defaulted for any reason other than lateness shall not play in<br />
subsequent matches and may not be declared the winner of the<br />
round robin. A player who is defaulted, retires, or creates a<br />
walkover shall finish lower than every player who has an identical<br />
match record.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw) 87
NORTHWEST<br />
(Round #3 Losers from North)<br />
COMPASS DRAW SHEET<br />
UNITED ST<strong>AT</strong>ES TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION<br />
COMPASS DRAW<br />
WEST EAST<br />
SOUTHWEST<br />
(Round #3 Losers from West)<br />
NORTH<br />
(Round #2 Losers from East)<br />
SOUTH<br />
(Round #2 Losers from West)<br />
Fig. 7<br />
88 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw)<br />
NORTHEAST<br />
(Round #3 Losers from East)<br />
SOUTHEAST<br />
(Round #3 Losers from South)<br />
(Undefeated Winner)
FAC Comment II.B-9: The Referee’s determination as to whether a match should<br />
be scored as a default (and its type), withdrawal, or retirement affects the out<strong>com</strong>e<br />
of the round robin. Therefore, the Referee should use great care in determining<br />
why a player is not playing a match.<br />
e. Procedures when there is more than one round robin draw in an event.<br />
When there are six or more players entered, then the event may be<br />
divided into more than one round robin. Before the round robins begin,<br />
the Tournament Committee shall set forth in writing the exact<br />
procedure for determining who advances to the final round (winners<br />
only or winners and runners-up) and whether a round robin or single<br />
elimination format shall be used to determine the winner of the final<br />
round.<br />
i. Preliminary round robins. Seeding shall be used to place the<br />
strongest players in different divisions. The seeding principles<br />
set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.A.4. shall apply.<br />
ii. Final round. The overall winner shall be determined by playing<br />
another round robin or a single elimination format. The<br />
Tournament Committee may allow not only the winner of each<br />
round robin but also the runner-up in each round robin to advance<br />
to the final round. If the Tournament Committee allows runnersup<br />
to advance to the final round, the runner-up of each round<br />
robin shall play the winner of another round robin. In the final<br />
round the placement of the prior winners and runners-up shall<br />
be determined by random drawing, but no first match shall pair<br />
a winner and runner-up from the same round robin. If the<br />
Tournament Committee does not allow runners-up to play in<br />
the final round, then the final round pairings shall be made by<br />
a random drawing.<br />
7. Compass draw.<br />
a. When authorized. Compass draws may be used in any tournament<br />
provided the entry form states the tournament shall be played using<br />
a <strong>com</strong>pass draw format.<br />
b. Seeding. Seeding may be used to place the strongest players using<br />
the seeding principles set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.A.4. Seeds<br />
shall be drawn according to the procedures used for making a<br />
standard draw.<br />
c. Making draw. Each player is placed on a line on the center draw sheet.<br />
The procedure for making a standard draw shall be followed for<br />
determining the exact line on which each player is placed.<br />
FAC Comment II.B-10: For a Compass Draw of 8, use the first match loser format<br />
with a playoff for 8 players in TDM.<br />
d. Byes. Complications will develop if there are byes in the draw.<br />
Therefore, it is best to limit the entries to 16, 32, or 64. A substitute<br />
list is helpful to eliminate problems caused by last minute<br />
withdrawals. If byes must be placed in the draw, distribute them<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.B. (Making The Draw) 89
evenly in the quarters and halves of the draw as described in <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation II.B.4.d.i.(A).<br />
e. Progression in draw. At the end of each round, the winners continue<br />
in their tournament in the same direction, while the losers move to<br />
other points on the <strong>com</strong>pass to form a new satellite tournament.<br />
f. Specific procedures for draw of 32. See Figure 7.<br />
At the end of round 1:<br />
• The winners go east;<br />
• The losers go west.<br />
At the end of round 2:<br />
• The east losers go north;<br />
• The west losers go south.<br />
At the end of round 3:<br />
• The east losers go northeast;<br />
• The north losers go northwest;<br />
• The west losers go southwest;<br />
• The south losers go southeast.<br />
At the end of round 4:<br />
• The losers are out of the tournament (unless it is announced in<br />
writing before the start of the first match of the tournament that<br />
there will be semifinal playoffs);<br />
• The winners play the finals on each draw sheet.<br />
g. Specific procedures for draw of 16. Use only the top half of the draw<br />
at each <strong>com</strong>pass point. Follow the same procedure as in a draw of 32<br />
except that round 4 is the finals instead of the semifinals.<br />
h. Specific procedures for draw of 64. Use two 32 draw sheets. Round<br />
4 be<strong>com</strong>es the quarterfinals of each tournament instead of the<br />
semifinals. At the end of round 4 all losers are out of the<br />
tournament. The draw sheet tournaments continue with their own<br />
semifinal matches until there is an eventual winner for each. (The<br />
losers of the semifinals are out of the tournament.)<br />
i. Prizes. The major prizes go to the east winner (who is undefeated)<br />
and to the east runner-up (who has lost only to the east winner). Next<br />
in order are the winners and runners-up from: northeast, north,<br />
northwest, west, southwest, south, and southeast. The Tournament<br />
Committee shall determine how many prizes are to be awarded.<br />
8. Alternate method for making collegiate and scholastic draws. <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation XII. provides an alternate method for making collegiate and<br />
scholastic draws.<br />
9. Application to team <strong>com</strong>petition. The provisions of this <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
II.B. except for paragraphs 1. and 2. do not apply to team <strong>com</strong>petition<br />
tournaments.<br />
C. Changes in Draw<br />
1. Withdrawal of player before play starts.<br />
a. Withdrawal of seeded player before play starts. If a seed withdraws<br />
after the draw has been made but before the start of play, the Referee<br />
may do any of the following:<br />
i. fill the vacated position with a person not already in the draw<br />
whose inclusion would not affect the seedings;<br />
90 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.C. (Changes In The Draw)
ii. remake the draw;<br />
iii. relocate the players whose seeding groups have changed:<br />
• 16 draw.<br />
Seeds 1-4 withdrawing. If any of the four seeds<br />
withdraws, the next player eligible for seeding be<strong>com</strong>es<br />
the fourth seed, and to the extent necessary the three<br />
remaining original top four seeded players are assigned<br />
their new seeds, and any player whose Seeding Group<br />
has changed is moved to the correct position.<br />
• 32 draw.<br />
Seeds 1-4 withdrawing. If any of the first four seeds<br />
withdraws, the fifth seed be<strong>com</strong>es the fourth seed, and to<br />
the extent necessary the three remaining original top four<br />
seeded players are assigned their new seeds, and any<br />
player whose seeding group has changed is moved to the<br />
correct position. The next player eligible for seeding moves<br />
into the open fifth seed position.<br />
Seeds 5-8 withdrawing. If the withdrawal is among<br />
seeds five through eight, the next player eligible for<br />
seeding takes the position vacated by the withdrawing<br />
seed.<br />
• 64 draw.<br />
Seeds 1-4 withdrawing. If any of the first four seeds<br />
withdraws, the fifth seed be<strong>com</strong>es the fourth seed, and<br />
to the extent necessary the three remaining original top<br />
four seeded players are assigned their new seeds, and any<br />
player whose Seeding Group has changed is moved to<br />
the correct position. The ninth seed takes the position<br />
vacated by the fifth seed, and the next player eligible for<br />
seeding takes the open ninth seed position.<br />
Seeds 5-8 withdrawing. If the withdrawal is among seeds<br />
five through eight, the ninth seed takes the position<br />
vacated by the withdrawing seed, and the next player<br />
eligible for seeding takes the open ninth seed position.<br />
Seeds 9-16 withdrawing. If the withdrawal is among<br />
seeds nine through 16, the next player eligible for<br />
seeding takes the position vacated by the withdrawing<br />
seed. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.A.8. for the definition of<br />
seeding groups.<br />
• Filling a vacant position. To fill a vacant non-seed position<br />
created by any move described in i. through iii. above, the<br />
Referee should follow <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.C.1.b.<br />
FAC Comment II.C-1: Follow the same principles for draws larger than 64.<br />
iv. replace the withdrawing seed with the next player who would<br />
have been seeded and fill in the newly seeded player’s former<br />
position in the draw with an alternate or a lucky loser (if there<br />
was a qualifying tournament).<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.C. (Changes In The Draw) 91
FAC Comment II.C-2: Principles for replacement of a player also apply to a player<br />
who asks to withdraw but is defaulted instead because the player’s reason for not<br />
playing is based on a reason other than injury, illness, or personal emergency.<br />
FAC Comment II.C-3: In ITF Adult or Senior Circuit tournaments, the ITF requires<br />
the use of the method in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.C.1.a.iv. Referees of ITF tournaments<br />
should check the ITF website to verify that there are no changes to this ITF procedure.<br />
In all other cases, Referees may choose among the four methods. The second<br />
and third methods are more appropriate for withdrawals that occur before the match<br />
schedule has been published or several days before the start of play. They also may<br />
be more appropriate in cases involving the withdrawal of a high seed. The first and<br />
fourth methods are simpler and may be more appropriate in the case of last minute<br />
withdrawals because the Referee will have to notify fewer players of the changes. The<br />
Referee is not required to change the draw if none of these methods is feasible.<br />
b. Withdrawal of player who was not seeded and filling a vacant position<br />
created by moving seeded players. The Referee may do any of the<br />
following:<br />
i. Add player to draw. If there are players awaiting entry into the<br />
draw, fill the position with a person not already in the draw whose<br />
inclusion would not affect the seedings;<br />
ii. Leave player in draw. If there are no players awaiting entry into<br />
the draw, leave the player in the draw and advance the opponent<br />
by a withdrawal.<br />
iii. Remove player. If there are no players awaiting entry into the<br />
draw and removing a player from the draw would eliminate a<br />
round of play in the:<br />
• Main draw: Move players using the principle of<br />
randomness so that there are no byes; or<br />
• Consolation draw: Add a bye so that the byes are evenly<br />
balanced and move the player displaced by the bye, if any,<br />
to the line previously occupied by the withdrawing player.<br />
FAC Comment II.C-4: Examples of eliminating a round of play include not only<br />
reducing a draw of 33 to 32 or a draw of 17 to 16, but also reducing a draw of 49<br />
to 48 or a draw of 25 to 24 in tournaments with Feed-In Championships.<br />
iv. Move unseeded players if there are no players awaiting entry<br />
into draw and withdrawal would create double bye. If there<br />
are no players awaiting entry into the draw and the withdrawal<br />
would create a double bye, then the Referee may:<br />
(A) Move opponent of highest seed who does not have bye.<br />
Choose the opponent of highest seed who does not have<br />
bye and move this player to the proper position in the<br />
double bye. (Proper position is the top line of the pairing<br />
in the top half and the bottom line of the pairing in the<br />
bottom half.);<br />
(B) Move player in adjoining match. If all seeded players<br />
have byes and there is a first-round match in the<br />
92 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.C. (Changes In The Draw)
Players Omitted from Draw<br />
Fig. 8<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.C. (Changes In The Draw) 93
adjoining match, then move one player from the<br />
adjoining match to the vacant position. (This creates a<br />
second-round match between the same players who<br />
would otherwise play each other in the first round.)<br />
FAC Comment II.C-5: Matches are adjoining if the winners of these matches<br />
will meet in the next round.<br />
(C) Move player from another first-round match. If the<br />
adjoining match also contains a bye, first identify the<br />
quarter with the most players. If two or more quarters have<br />
the most players, then select a quarter in the half opposite<br />
the quarter where the vacant position is located. If the<br />
quarter is in the top half, select the first pair of players who<br />
have a first-round match and move the player on the<br />
bottom of the pairing to the vacant position. If the quarter<br />
is in the bottom half, select the first pair of players who have<br />
a first-round match and move the player on the top of the<br />
pairing to the vacant position.<br />
2. Players omitted from draw. See Figure 8. Any player whose entry is<br />
received on time and is otherwise acceptable will not be denied a place<br />
in the draw because of administrative error or oversight by tournament<br />
officials unless the Referee determines that play has proceeded too far to<br />
make changes in the draw practicable. The entire draw does not have to<br />
be remade. Instead, the following procedure should be followed:<br />
a. If play has not begun and if omitted player would not have been<br />
seeded, then the player’s place in the draw should be determined by<br />
a random drawing. The random drawing includes the omitted player<br />
and all unseeded players. The player whose name is drawn is placed<br />
on the line previously occupied by the last bye that was placed in the<br />
draw. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.d. for the order in which byes are<br />
placed in the draw. Unless the omitted player’s name was the one<br />
drawn, the name is positioned on the line previously occupied by the<br />
player whose name was drawn. For example, there is a draw of 27<br />
with eight seeds and five byes. Seeds 5, 6, 7, and 8 were randomly<br />
drawn to lines 28, 5, 20 and 13, respectively. Therefore, the last<br />
available bye went on line 27 opposite the fifth seed. Figure 8<br />
illustrates this procedure. Davidson has been omitted from the draw.<br />
A drawing including Davidson and all unseeded players is held. The<br />
name of Edwards, which is on line 18, is drawn. Edwards’ name is<br />
removed from line 18 and placed on line 27. Davidson’s name is<br />
placed on line 18.<br />
If the draw has no byes, use the same random drawing procedure<br />
to determine the player who will play a preliminary match. A random<br />
drawing is held among the unseeded players to determine the<br />
opponent in the preliminary match. For example, there is a 32-draw<br />
with no byes. Davidson has been omitted from the draw. A drawing<br />
is held among Davidson and the unseeded players to determine who<br />
will play a preliminary match. The name of Edwards, which is on line<br />
94 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.C. (Changes In The Draw)
18, is drawn. Edwards’ name is removed from line 18 and Davidson’s<br />
name is put in its place. A drawing is now held among the unseeded<br />
players (including Davidson) to determine who plays a preliminary<br />
match against Edwards. Franklin’s name is drawn. Franklin’s name is<br />
removed from line 11. Edwards and Franklin play a preliminary match<br />
for the right to occupy line 11. Figure 8 illustrates this procedure.<br />
b. If play has not begun and if the omitted player would have been seeded,<br />
then the seeding should be changed. To the extent necessary seeded<br />
players are assigned new seeds. Players whose seeding group has not<br />
changed remain on the same lines. Only those players whose seeding<br />
group has changed are moved to new lines corresponding to their new<br />
seeding group. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.A.8. for a definition of seeding<br />
groups. The original lowest seed will no longer be seeded. This player’s<br />
new position is determined by using the procedure for an unseeded<br />
player who has been omitted from the draw. For example, there are<br />
four seeds, including Brown on line 9, who is seeded third, and Jones<br />
on line 24, who is seeded fourth. Davidson was omitted from the draw<br />
and should have been seeded third. Davidson is placed on line 24,<br />
which was previously occupied by Jones; Jones is no longer<br />
seeded. Use the procedure in sub-paragraph 2.a. above to<br />
reposition Jones.<br />
c. If play has begun or if scheduling problems make it impossible to use<br />
the foregoing procedures, then one method for determining the<br />
omitted player’s place in the draw would be for the omitted player to<br />
play one of the non-seeded players holding a place opposite a bye.<br />
The specific place would be determined by lot. If only seeds have<br />
byes, then the omitted player shall play the lowest seed who received<br />
a bye.<br />
3. Late entries and substitutions in the draw.<br />
a. When to accept late entries and make substitutions. The Referee<br />
may accept a late entry or substitute a new player or team into the<br />
draw if the Referee (preferably assisted by a Tournament Committee<br />
member) determines that the ability of a new player or team does<br />
not invalidate the seedings. The Referee and Tournament<br />
Committee should keep in mind that it is generally desirable to<br />
encourage play.<br />
i. In an elimination-type tournament no player or team who has<br />
lost a match may be reinstated into the draw.<br />
ii. A substitution may be made for a player or team who has<br />
reached the second round by virtue of a bye, disqualification,<br />
default for a reason other than misconduct, or withdrawal.<br />
iii. A substitution may be made for a player who is injured during<br />
the warm-up of the player’s first-round match or a secondround<br />
match that the player has reached by virtue of a bye.<br />
iv. If the Tournament Committee has provided the Referee with a<br />
priority list, the Referee shall use this list in filling places in the<br />
draw before accepting any late entry.<br />
v. Except in extremely unusual circumstances, the draw will not be<br />
remade after it has been announced.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.C. (Changes In The Draw) 95
. Positioning the player or team. The Referee shall place the new player<br />
or team in the draw by using whichever of the following principles<br />
is the first to apply.<br />
i. If one member of each of two doubles teams withdraws, then<br />
the Referee may <strong>com</strong>bine the two remaining players into a<br />
new team. If one of the original doubles teams drew a bye, then<br />
the new team should be placed opposite this bye. If both of the<br />
original doubles teams or if neither of the original doubles teams<br />
drew a bye, then the new team should be placed in the draw in<br />
one of the slots occupied previously by the two original teams<br />
with the position being determined by lot.<br />
ii. If a singles player or one member of a doubles team withdraws,<br />
then the Referee shall substitute another player for the<br />
withdrawing player.<br />
iii. If no player or team withdraws, then the Referee shall place the<br />
entry on the line previously occupied by the last bye that was<br />
placed in the draw. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.d. for the order in<br />
which byes are placed in the draw.<br />
4. Correcting error in seeding. If the Tournament Committee decides that it<br />
has made an error in seeding the players, it may correct the error only if<br />
no affected seeded player has begun a match. If the Tournament<br />
Committee decides to correct the error, it should first redo the list of<br />
seeded players. The seeded players’ names are moved to new lines<br />
corresponding to the number of their new seeded positions only when the<br />
seeding group into which the player falls changes. If after the revision any<br />
original seed is no longer seeded, then the displaced seed is moved to the<br />
line vacated by the newly seeded player. In some cases this procedure will<br />
result in byes not being distributed in numerical order to the seeded<br />
players.<br />
FAC Comment II.C-6: Here is an example of correcting an error when it is<br />
discovered that an unseeded player already in a draw of 64 should be the<br />
first seed.<br />
• The Committee assigns a new number to each seed according to the<br />
new seeding order. The former number 16 seed is no longer seeded.<br />
• Move the new number 1 seed to line 1.<br />
• The former number 1 seed be<strong>com</strong>es the number 2 seed and is moved<br />
to the line previously occupied by the former number 2 seed.<br />
• The former number 2 seed be<strong>com</strong>es the number 3 seed and is moved<br />
to the line previously occupied by the former number 4 seed.<br />
• The former number 4 seed be<strong>com</strong>es the number 5 seed and is moved<br />
to the line previously occupied by the former number 8 seed.<br />
• The former number 8 seed be<strong>com</strong>es the number 9 seed and is moved<br />
to the line previously occupied by the former number 16 seed.<br />
• Move the former number 16 seed to the line previously occupied by<br />
the new number 1 seed.<br />
• All other seeds remain on their current lines.<br />
96 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.C. (Changes In The Draw)
FAC Comment II.C-7: In some cases the procedure for correcting an error<br />
in seeding in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations II.C.4. will result in the byes not being<br />
distributed in numerical order to the seeded players. For example, in a draw<br />
of 25 with eight seeds there will be only seven byes available for eight seeds.<br />
When the Tournament Committee realizes that it left unseeded a player who<br />
should have been seeded fifth, it uses the procedure to place the new<br />
number five seed on the line previously occupied by the former number<br />
eight seed. This leaves seeds six through eight with byes even though the<br />
number five seed does not receive a bye. This result is mandated by <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation II.B.4.d., which does not allow a bye to be moved after the draw<br />
has been made.<br />
D. Scheduling Matches. Scheduling should balance fairness to the players and<br />
the need to assure that the tournament is <strong>com</strong>pleted on time. This involves<br />
making maximum use of available courts, minimizing “dead time” between<br />
matches, and assuring appropriate rest for <strong>com</strong>petitors.<br />
1. Factors. The Referee should consider the following factors:<br />
• Conditions affecting the draw;<br />
• Regulations affecting the schedule;<br />
• Match timing;<br />
• Weather and available light;<br />
• Players’ requests for special scheduling;<br />
• Equalizing, to the extent possible, rest between matches for<br />
opponents; and<br />
• The availability and desirability of officiating assistance.<br />
2. Conditions affecting scheduling. Various conditions affect the initial<br />
scheduling:<br />
• The size of the draws;<br />
• Draw format including consolations, if any;<br />
• The number of courts and hours they are available;<br />
• Scheduling guidelines and rest period requirements;<br />
• The number of players who are in more than one division; and<br />
• The match format used in each event.<br />
A <strong>com</strong>bination of these factors may lead the Tournament Committee to<br />
make decisions limiting participation.<br />
3. Estimating length of matches. There are two <strong>com</strong>mon methods for<br />
estimating the length of matches.<br />
a. Scheduling with a consistent amount of time between matches. The<br />
following estimates apply:<br />
Indoors 1 hour and 15 minutes<br />
Outdoor hard courts 1 hour and 30 minutes<br />
Outdoor clay courts 1 hour and 45 minutes<br />
(early rounds) 1 hour and 30 minutes<br />
No-ad scoring matches 1 hour and 15 minutes<br />
b. Garman System. This method is based on a mathematical analysis of<br />
National level tournaments and is designed to reduce player waiting<br />
times while maximizing court usage. It takes into consideration<br />
anticipated defaults, retirements, long matches, and short matches. It<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.D. (Scheduling Matches) 97
TABLE 6<br />
Scheduling Guidelines for Junior Divisions:<br />
Maximum Number of Matches per Day<br />
Match Format 12s Divisions 14s, 16s, & 18s Divisions<br />
All Matches: Best of 3<br />
tiebreak sets<br />
All Matches: Tiebreak in<br />
lieu of 3rd set or short<br />
sets<br />
Main Draw Singles:<br />
Best of 3 tiebreak sets<br />
Doubles and/or<br />
Consolation Singles:<br />
8-game pro sets<br />
Main Draw Singles:<br />
Tiebreak in lieu of 3rd<br />
set or short sets<br />
Doubles and/or<br />
Consolation Singles:<br />
8-game pro sets<br />
Combinations of singles,<br />
doubles, and consolation<br />
singles not shown above.<br />
2 singles<br />
2 singles +<br />
1 doubles<br />
1 singles 1 singles<br />
+ +<br />
2 doubles 2 doubles<br />
3 doubles 3 doubles<br />
3 singles<br />
3 singles +<br />
1 doubles<br />
2 singles 2 singles<br />
+ +<br />
1 doubles 2 doubles<br />
1 singles<br />
+<br />
3 doubles 3 doubles<br />
4 doubles<br />
2 main draw singles<br />
2 main draw singles +<br />
2 doubles and/or<br />
consolation singles<br />
1 main draw singles 1 main draw singles<br />
+ +<br />
3 doubles and/or 3 doubles and/or<br />
consolation singles consolation singles<br />
4 doubles and/or 4 doubles and/or<br />
consolation singles consolation singles<br />
3 main draw singles<br />
3 main draw singles +<br />
2 doubles and/or<br />
consolation singles<br />
2 main draw singles 2 main draw singles<br />
+ +<br />
2 doubles and/or 3 doubles and/or<br />
consolation singles consolation singles<br />
1 main draw singles 1 main draw singles<br />
+ +<br />
3 doubles and/or 4 doubles and/or<br />
consolation singles consolation singles<br />
4 doubles and/or 5 doubles and/or<br />
consolation singles consolation singles<br />
117 games, no more 117 games, no more<br />
than 88 of which than 115 of which<br />
should be singles should be singles<br />
If a player enters more than one division, these guidelines apply separately to each division.<br />
Completion of suspended matches. When a match is carried over from a preceding day, it<br />
is counted as a match for these scheduling guidelines if the player so elects and if 16 or more<br />
games of singles or 20 or more games of doubles are required to finish the match.<br />
98 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.D. (Scheduling Matches)
TABLE 7<br />
Scheduling Guidelines for Adult, Senior, Family, and Wheelchair Divisions:<br />
Maximum Number of Matches per Day<br />
Best of 3 Tiebreak in lieu<br />
Divisions Any Format Tiebreak Sets of 3rd Set<br />
25 through 60 3 matches, no more<br />
than two of which<br />
should be singles<br />
65 through 80 2 matches<br />
85 & 90 2 matches, only<br />
one of which should<br />
be singles<br />
Wheelchair 3 matches, no more 4 matches, no more<br />
than 2 of which should than 3 of which<br />
be singles should be singles<br />
All other divisions No more than 2 singles; No more than 3<br />
no guideline for doubles singles; no guideline<br />
for doubles<br />
If a player enters more than one division, these guidelines apply separately to each division.<br />
Completion of suspended matches. When a match is carried over from a preceding day,<br />
it is counted as a match for these scheduling guidelines if the player so elects and if 16 or more<br />
games of singles or 20 or more games of doubles are required to finish the match.<br />
schedules a number of matches at short intervals based on the<br />
probability that there will be courts available. The system results in a<br />
steady stream of check-ins rather than large numbers of players<br />
checking in at one time.<br />
FAC Comment II.D-1: A <strong>USTA</strong> publication on the Garman System is available<br />
from the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Department, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY<br />
10604.<br />
4. Players’ requests for special scheduling. The Referee should honor the<br />
request if it is reasonably possible to do so and if fairness to all players can<br />
be assured. A player may request special scheduling of the player’s first<br />
match. The Referee has discretion to honor or deny requests for special<br />
scheduling of subsequent matches.<br />
5. Scheduling matches of players with long <strong>com</strong>mutes. When possible, avoid<br />
scheduling matches of players with long <strong>com</strong>mutes for very early or late<br />
matches.<br />
6. Players are responsible for obtaining starting times. The players are solely<br />
responsible for learning the time and place of their matches. A player’s<br />
request for information as to the scheduled time of the player’s first match<br />
shall be honored. The players should not rely on being told the time of their<br />
matches and should check the draw.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.D. (Scheduling Matches) 99
7. Posting and changing the schedule. The Referee shall post the schedule on<br />
the official draw sheet. Before beginning any round, normally the Referee<br />
should post the time of the next round (for both winners and losers) on the<br />
official draw sheet. Once the schedule has been posted, it should not be<br />
changed except for a <strong>com</strong>pelling reason. If amended, the Referee shall<br />
promptly notify all affected players.<br />
8. Adjoining matches. The Referee should schedule matches whose winners<br />
will meet in the next round at about the same time so that the winners will<br />
have about the same amount of rest before they play each other.<br />
9. Singles and doubles. The Referee should keep in mind possible conflicts<br />
that may develop because of players who are <strong>com</strong>peting in singles and<br />
doubles. When possible in Adult, Senior, Family, and Wheelchair Divisions,<br />
the Referee should schedule singles matches before doubles.<br />
FAC Comment II.D-2: In deciding whether to schedule singles or doubles<br />
matches first in Junior tournaments, the Referee should consider many factors<br />
including:<br />
• Whether the singles draw is for endorsement spots;<br />
• Whether ranking points are awarded for doubles for <strong>com</strong>bined rankings;<br />
• Whether differences in match formats for singles and doubles and their effect<br />
on minimum rest periods; and<br />
• The weather.<br />
10. Required rest between matches The Referee shall offer players the minimum<br />
rest between matches that are set out in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.C.1. and<br />
Table 9. The Referee shall take into consideration these rest periods when<br />
the Referee prepares the schedule.<br />
11. Required rest between sets. The Referee shall follow <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
III.C.2. and Table 10 that provides for rest periods between sets.<br />
12. Scheduling guidelines. When possible, the Referee should <strong>com</strong>ply with<br />
the scheduling guidelines in Tables 6 and 7. These guidelines are<br />
mandatory for all tournaments listed on the National Junior Tournament<br />
Schedule, except that they shall not apply to divisions that are required<br />
to use ITF tournament regulations. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.12. These<br />
guidelines are mandatory for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
National Championships. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.A.2.g.i. These<br />
guidelines are also mandatory for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National<br />
Championships other than divisions that are required to use ITF<br />
tournament regulations. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIII.A.2.g. These<br />
guidelines are also mandatory for Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
Tournaments, other than divisions that are required to use ITF tournament<br />
regulations. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations XIII.A.1.b. and XIII.A.3.g.<br />
a. Junior Divisions. In addition to the guidelines in Table 6:<br />
• All players should be given at least 12 hours of rest between<br />
the <strong>com</strong>pletion of their last match of any day and the start of<br />
play of their first match of the following day;<br />
• In the 12 and 14 divisions, no match should start nor should a<br />
suspended match resume after 8 p.m.; and<br />
• In the 16 and 18 divisions no match should start nor should a<br />
suspended match resume after 10 p.m.<br />
100 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.D. (Scheduling Matches)
FAC Comment II.D-3: Tables 6 and 7 (which list the maximum number of<br />
matches that ideally should be played per day) and Table 9 (which establishes<br />
minimum rest periods between matches) are designed to ensure that players<br />
receive at least a minimal amount of rest. Because so many tournaments are<br />
played over a relatively short period, it often is not possible to provide long<br />
enough rest periods and to limit the number of matches played per day so as<br />
to ensure that players get optimal rest. When a Referee has sufficient time<br />
available, the Referee should provide players with an adequate amount of rest<br />
and not just a minimal amount of rest. Factors that a Referee may want to<br />
consider in setting the number of matches per day and the rest period between<br />
matches include the length of the matches played that day, the temperature, and<br />
the humidity.<br />
FAC Comment II.D-4: The guidelines in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.D.12. and Table 6<br />
are mandatory for all tournaments on the National Junior Tournament Schedule<br />
except for those divisions playing under ITF Regulations. The guidelines in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.D.12. and Table 7 are mandatory for all Category I <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Adult, Senior, and Family National Championships, all Category I <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Wheelchair National Championships, and all Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
Tournaments, except for those divisions playing under ITF Regulations. If the<br />
Referee has difficulty scheduling matches without violating a guideline, the<br />
Referee should consult the appropriate <strong>USTA</strong> staff and <strong>USTA</strong> <strong>com</strong>petition<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee for assistance.<br />
b. Sectional and District limitations. Sectional and District<br />
Associations may further limit the number of matches played in<br />
one day to reflect local considerations.<br />
13. Court surfaces. The Tournament Committee shall not arrange for playing<br />
any division on more than one type of court surface. When a tournament<br />
cannot be finished on this surface, the Committee may use available<br />
courts of any type. However, <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.A.2.f. requires that the<br />
semifinals and finals of Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
National Championships normally be played on the surface specified in<br />
the title and <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIII.A.3.f. requires that the semifinals and<br />
finals of Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair Championships normally be played<br />
on the surface specified in the title.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS II.D. (Scheduling Matches) 101
III. CONDUCTING THE TOURNAMENT<br />
A. Tournament Committee Responsibilities Once Tournament Starts<br />
1. Keep order. The Tournament Committee shall keep order on the grounds.<br />
2. Provide supplies including singles sticks. The Tournament Committee shall<br />
assure that each court is provided with singles sticks for singles matches<br />
using a doubles net and all supplies that it deems necessary for a match.<br />
3. Provide balls. At least three new balls shall be used to start a match at<br />
tournaments above the sectional championship level and are re<strong>com</strong>mended<br />
for use to start a match at the sectional championship level.<br />
4. Finish tournaments on different courts and at different times. The<br />
Tournament Committee shall arrange for enough courts so that under<br />
normal conditions the tournament can be <strong>com</strong>pleted on time and so that the<br />
Referee can schedule matches in each division on the same surface type.<br />
When a tournament cannot be finished on the original surface, the<br />
Committee may use available courts of any type. However, <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation X.A.2.f. requires that the semifinals and finals of Category I<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Adult, Senior, and Family National Championships normally be<br />
played on the surface specified in the title; <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIII.A.3.f.<br />
requires all Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championships<br />
normally be played on the surface specified in the title.<br />
If there is no practical way to finish on schedule, the Committee shall<br />
either make arrangements mutually agreeable to the players involved to<br />
finish at a later date or in the absence of such arrangements, declare the<br />
tournament unfinished and distribute the prizes equitably among the stillinvolved<br />
players.<br />
B. Referee Responsibilities After Draw Has Been Made<br />
1. Generally supervise all aspects of play. The Referee (or in the Referee’s<br />
absence the Deputy Referee) shall be present during play. The Referee<br />
exercises general supervision over all aspects of play, including, but not<br />
limited to, the conduct and actions of players, coaches, parents,<br />
spectators, officials, ballpersons, groundskeepers, and the administrative<br />
crew. The Referee shall use judgment in all situations not specifically<br />
covered by the ITF Rules of Tennis or <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations.<br />
2. Schedule matches. The Referee is responsible for scheduling matches and<br />
assigning courts (including moving a match in progress to another court<br />
at any time). Normally a player’s singles match will precede the player’s<br />
doubles match, but this is not mandatory. A player’s request for information<br />
as to the scheduled time of the player’s first match shall be honored. See<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.D.6. The Referee shall not schedule any division to<br />
play on more than one surface type, except that the Referee may do so<br />
when necessary to <strong>com</strong>plete the tournament on time.<br />
3. Disqualify ineligible players. Upon presentation of proof, the Referee shall<br />
disqualify a player who has entered a tournament for which the player is<br />
ineligible because of age or other restrictions that apply for that tournament.<br />
The Referee may reinstate the loser of the last match won by the disqualified<br />
player.<br />
4. Determine who may enter the playing area. The Referee shall determine<br />
who may enter the playing area.<br />
102 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.A. (Tournament Committee Responsibilities…)
FAC Comment III.B-1: The playing area is the area inside the fences or backstops.<br />
Any designated spectator seating or standing area is not part of the playing area.<br />
5. Default players. The Referee may default a player for cause, which includes,<br />
but is not limited to, tardiness, misconduct, or failure to follow the Referee’s<br />
instructions or those of the Chair Umpire or Roving Umpire.<br />
6. Consider appeals. The Referee rules on appeals from players defaulted by<br />
the Chair Umpire. <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.E.4. refers to this situation.<br />
FAC Comment III.B-2: The Referee should not reverse the Chair Umpire’s<br />
Default unless there is a <strong>com</strong>pelling reason.<br />
7. Handle infractions observed in non-umpired matches. In non-umpired<br />
matches, the Referee and Deputy Referees may take appropriate action<br />
with respect to any infraction of the ITF Rules of Tennis or <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations they observe.<br />
8. Suspend and postpone matches. The Referee may postpone or suspend<br />
play when weather, light, surface conditions, health concerns, safety<br />
concerns, or other circumstances justify so doing. Suspension of a match<br />
because of darkness should be done only at the end of an even number of<br />
games in the set or at the end of a set.<br />
FAC Comment III.B-3: An in<strong>com</strong>plete match refers to a match that was started<br />
but not <strong>com</strong>pleted. It is anticipated that the match will be <strong>com</strong>pleted. The Referee<br />
shall record the time and score when the match was stopped, who was serving<br />
and from which side, and the reason for the interruption.<br />
9. Determine ball change pattern. The Referee determines the ball-change<br />
pattern subject to the right of the Chair Umpire to order a ball change at other<br />
than the normal time when in the Chair Umpire’s opinion abnormal conditions<br />
warrant so doing.<br />
10. Assign and replace Umpires. The Referee appoints and replaces or<br />
reassigns, when necessary, Roving Umpires, Chair Umpires, Line Umpires,<br />
and Net Umpires. The Referee shall not remove an Umpire from a match<br />
because of a player’s request. These duties may be delegated to the Chief<br />
Umpire, if there is one.<br />
11. Decide questions of law. The Referee decides any question of law that a<br />
Chair Umpire is unable to decide or that is referred to the Referee as an<br />
appeal by a player. The Referee’s decision in these cases shall be final.<br />
See Appendix V, Case 1 of ITF Rules of Tennis and <strong>USTA</strong> Comment V.1.<br />
12. Appoint Deputy Referee. The Referee or Tournament Committee shall appoint<br />
a Deputy Referee to act as the Referee whenever the Referee will be away<br />
from the Referee’s normal post and out of touch with it for any reason<br />
whatsoever, including participation in a match as a player or as an official.<br />
Either the Referee or Deputy Referee shall be present during play.<br />
13. Permit special grass court shoes. When playing on grass the Referee may<br />
permit the use of special grass court shoes.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.B. (Referee Responsibilities After Draw Has…) 103
A. Definitions<br />
Actions Initiated by Player or an Adult on behalf of a Junior<br />
Actions Initiated by an Official<br />
Withdrawal<br />
Walkover<br />
Retirement<br />
Injury, Illness,<br />
or Personal<br />
Emergency<br />
Adult Discipline<br />
Default<br />
Default for Refusal<br />
to Play<br />
Abandoned<br />
Match<br />
Unplayed<br />
Match<br />
Disqualification<br />
TABLE 8<br />
Draw Sheet Terminology and Procedures<br />
A withdrawal occurs when a player decides not to play all matches in an<br />
event. A withdrawal occurs only before (or during the warm-up for) a<br />
player’s first match in an event. If the withdrawal occurs before entries<br />
close, the withdrawal may be for any reason. If the withdrawal occurs after<br />
entries close (regardless of whether the draw has been made), it must be<br />
for injury, illness, or personal emergency. A withdrawal also may occur as<br />
a result of a tournament administrative error. Refusal to play for any other<br />
reason is treated as a default.<br />
A walkover occurs when there has been an administrative error or when a<br />
player decides not to play a match in an event because of injury, illness, or<br />
personal emergency. Refusal to play for any other reason is treated as a<br />
default. When a player decides not to play the player's first match but is<br />
allowed to play in the consolation, the first match is treated as a walkover.<br />
A retirement occurs when a player is unable to continue playing a match or<br />
resume a suspended match because of injury, illness, personal emergency,<br />
or adult discipline. Refusal to play for any other reason is treated as a default.<br />
These terms should be understood in their everyday sense. The terms also<br />
include situations when an adult decides that a Junior will not play because<br />
of injury, illness, or personal emergency.<br />
Bona-fide reasons for not playing other than illness or injury shall be treated<br />
as personal emergencies. Wanting to get home earlier or to play in another<br />
sporting event is not considered a personal emergency.<br />
A Referee should give a player the benefit of the doubt when deciding whether<br />
the player’s reason for not playing is bona-fide. For example, a young female<br />
player may be too embarrassed to reveal her real reason for not wanting to<br />
play or not being able to continue playing. Other examples of bona-fide<br />
reasons for not playing could include being emotionally distressed over the<br />
break up of a relationship or over the death of a relative or friend.<br />
Adult discipline occurs when a parent, coach, or other person responsible for<br />
a Junior disciplines the Junior by not allowing the Junior to start or finish a<br />
match. Adult disciplines are treated as defaults if the match has not started and<br />
as retirements if the match has started. There is no such thing as a withdrawal<br />
or walkover because of an adult discipline.<br />
A default occurs when the Referee does not allow a player to begin or continue<br />
a match. Examples of this kind of default include a player who does not show<br />
up, a player who is defaulted for lateness, and a player who is defaulted for<br />
receiving an injection, infusion, or supplemental oxygen.<br />
A default also occurs when a player refuses to play or continue to play for<br />
reasons other than injury, illness, or personal emergency. Examples of this<br />
type of default include refusing to play in order to get home sooner or in<br />
order to participate in another sporting event.<br />
An abandoned match refers to a match that has started, but the Referee has<br />
decided that the match will not be <strong>com</strong>pleted. There is no winner or loser of the<br />
match.<br />
An unplayed match refers to a match that the Referee decides will not be started<br />
for any reason other than a withdrawal, walkover, default, or retirement.<br />
There is no winner or loser of the match.<br />
A disqualification occurs when the Referee removes a player from an event<br />
because the player was not eligible for the event.<br />
104 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.B. (Referee Responsibilities After Draw Has…)
B. After Entries Close But Before Draw is Made<br />
Withdrawal<br />
because of injury,<br />
illness, or<br />
personal<br />
emergency<br />
Refusal to play<br />
for other reasons<br />
Defaults<br />
Withdrawals<br />
TABLE 8<br />
Draw Sheet Terminology and Procedures (Cont’d.)<br />
Withdrawals because of injury, illness, or personal emergency normally do<br />
not need to be reported but should be documented in tournament records.<br />
A player who withdraws for a reason other than illness, injury, or personal<br />
emergency must be reported (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation V.A.3.) The withdrawal will<br />
not be shown on the draw sheet and will need to be reported separately.<br />
Withdrawals in order to play in another tournament or because the<br />
player was entered in two overlapping tournaments must be reported unless<br />
both tournaments agreed to the arrangement.<br />
C. After the Draw Was Made But Before Play Begins<br />
What Happened TDM Code<br />
Disqualification Def [dq]<br />
Misconduct before first match Def [cond]<br />
Refusal to start match for reason other than injury, illness, personal<br />
emergency, or adult discipline Def [refsl]<br />
Adult discipline for a Junior to not start a match for disciplinary reasons Def [ad]<br />
Tournament administrative error (e.g., tournament entered player in wrong<br />
division) Wd [admin]<br />
Injury Wd [inj]<br />
Illness Wd [ill]<br />
Personal emergency Wd [emerg]<br />
Double withdrawal Wd/Wd<br />
Note: In a tournament without any alternate available to play, the Referee may allow a player who<br />
does not play a first match in the main draw because of injury, illness, or personal emergency to<br />
play in the consolation draw. In this case the first match in the main draw is treated as a walkover<br />
instead of a withdrawal.<br />
Note: If an alternate is placed in the draw, the default or withdrawal will not be shown on the draw.<br />
The default or the withdrawal must be reported separately, if the action would result in assessment<br />
of suspension points under the <strong>USTA</strong> Suspension Point System or penalties by any of its District<br />
or Sectional Associations.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.B. (Referee Responsibilities After Draw Has…) 105
Walkovers<br />
Defaults<br />
Retirements<br />
Other<br />
D. After Play Starts<br />
TABLE 8<br />
Draw Sheet Terminology and Procedures (Cont’d.)<br />
What Happened TDM Code<br />
Injury Wo [inj]<br />
Illness Wo [ill]<br />
Personal emergency<br />
Tournament administrative error (e.g., tournament told player<br />
Wo [emerg]<br />
incorrect time) Wo [admin]<br />
Double walkover Wo/Wo<br />
Disqualification for cause or ineligibility Def [dq]<br />
Misconduct before or between matches Def [cond]<br />
Failure to start match because of adult discipline<br />
Refusal to start match for reason other than adult discipline, injury,<br />
illness,or personal emergency. (After the Referee has conclusively<br />
confirmed that a player refuses to play a match, the Referee need<br />
Def [ad]<br />
not wait until the scheduled time of the match to record the result.) Def [refs]<br />
Not showing up<br />
Lateness for match including, but not limited to, intending to play<br />
but mistakenly arriving at the wrong time, location, or without<br />
Def [ns]<br />
proper equipment Def [late]<br />
Lateness for resumption of suspended match or after Score +<br />
rest period Def [late]<br />
Double default<br />
Refusal to continue playing a match for reason other than injury,<br />
Def/Def<br />
illness, personal emergency, or adult discipline Def [refs]<br />
Default for receiving an injection, IV, or supplemental oxygen Def [med]<br />
Default under Point Penalty System Score + Def [pps]<br />
Injury Score + Ret [inj]<br />
Illness Score + Ret [ill]<br />
Personal emergency Score + Ret [em]<br />
Retirement because of adult discipline Score + Ret [ad]<br />
A player who retires from a match remains eligible for consolations, place playoffs, doubles<br />
and subsequent round robin matches.<br />
Abandoned Match Abd<br />
Unplayed match Unp<br />
Note: When a player is unable to play because of injury, illness, or personal emergency, it is<br />
good practice to note on the draw the nature of the injury, illness, or personal emergency. If a<br />
trainer or doctor is present at the tournament, it is good practice to have the trainer or doctor<br />
examine the player to confirm the injury or illness.<br />
106 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.B. (Referee Responsibilities After Draw Has…)
C. Rest Periods<br />
1. Rest between matches.<br />
The Referee shall offer the players the minimum rest between matches as set<br />
forth in Table 9.<br />
FAC Comment III.C-1: This regulation (which establishes minimum rest between<br />
matches), <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.D.12., and Tables 6 and 7 (which provide<br />
re<strong>com</strong>mendations on the maximum number of matches that should be played per<br />
day) are designed to ensure that players receive at least a minimal amount of<br />
rest. Because so many tournaments are played over a relatively short period, it<br />
often is not possible to provide long enough rest and to limit the number of<br />
matches played per day so as to ensure that players get optimal rest. When a<br />
Referee has sufficient time available, the Referee should provide players with an<br />
adequate amount of rest and not just a minimal amount of rest. Factors that a<br />
Referee may want to consider in setting the number of matches per day and the<br />
rest period between matches include the length of the matches played that day,<br />
the temperature, and the humidity.<br />
FAC Comment III.C-2: Should the Referee make every reasonable effort to give<br />
<strong>com</strong>parable rest to winners of matches who will play each other in the next round?<br />
Yes.<br />
FAC Comment III.C-3: May the Referee shorten the rest between matches in<br />
tournaments using no-ad scoring? No.<br />
FAC Comment III.C-4: A junior player enters the 16 singles and the 18 doubles<br />
divisions. The player is scheduled to play two singles followed by one doubles<br />
match. How much rest must the Referee offer the player between the matches?<br />
The Referee must offer the player 60 minutes between the singles matches<br />
because the matches are in the same division. The Referee is required to offer<br />
the player only 30 minutes between the second singles match and the first<br />
doubles match because these matches are in different divisions.<br />
FAC Comment III.C-5: Same situation as in FAC Comment III.C-4 except that<br />
the player is scheduled to play a singles match, the doubles match, and the<br />
singles match. How much rest must the Referee offer the player between the<br />
matches? The Referee is required to offer the player only 30 minutes between<br />
each match because in each case the matches are in different divisions.<br />
2. Rest periods between sets.<br />
The set breaks and rest periods between sets are set forth in Table 10.<br />
D. Suspension of Play<br />
1. Suspension of play. The Referee may postpone or suspend play when<br />
weather, inadequate light, surface conditions, health concerns, safety<br />
concerns, or other circumstances justify doing so. When, in the opinion<br />
of the Chair Umpire or Roving Umpire, playing conditions justify<br />
suspension of the match, the official may advise the Referee. When<br />
possible the official shall obtain the Referee’s approval before suspending<br />
play. Suspension of a match because of darkness should be done at the<br />
end of an even number of games in a set or at the end of a set.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.D. (Suspension of Play) 107
TABLE 9<br />
Minimum Rest Between Matches<br />
Best of three or best of<br />
Divisions five tiebreak set matches<br />
(including no-ad scoring)<br />
Juniors 60 minutes except 30 minutes in<br />
doubles only tournaments<br />
Senior 35-45 & 60 minutes<br />
Parent-Child<br />
Senior 50-90;<br />
Parent-Child with<br />
minimum parental age; 90 minutes<br />
Grandparent-Grandchild;<br />
Husband & Wife<br />
(Combined Ages)<br />
Wheelchair • Match of 60 minutes or less:<br />
30 minutes<br />
• Between 60 & 90 minutes:<br />
45 minutes<br />
• 90 minutes or more:<br />
60 minutes<br />
NTRP without 60 minutes<br />
age restrictions<br />
NTRP 35-45 60 minutes<br />
NTRP 50-90 90 minutes<br />
All other divisions 30 minutes<br />
QuickStart Tennis formats: The Referee shall offer the players reasonable rest, which in many<br />
cases will be no more than 15 minutes.<br />
For any other format (including matches played with a 10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of a third<br />
set), the minimum rest period is 30 minutes.<br />
When a junior “plays up” in age division or a senior or adult “plays down” in age division, the player<br />
is governed by the age division in which the player plays.<br />
Players who participate in more than one division are entitled to only 30 minutes.<br />
The Sectional Association, District Association, or the Referee may authorize additional rest when<br />
any of them concludes that the length of the match, heat, humidity, or other conditions justify an<br />
extension.<br />
108 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.D. (Suspension of Play)<br />
Pro set<br />
formats<br />
30 minutes<br />
30 minutes<br />
45 minutes<br />
• Match of 60 minutes or less:<br />
30 minutes<br />
• Between 60 & 90 minutes:<br />
45 minutes<br />
• 90 minutes or more:<br />
60 minutes<br />
30 minutes<br />
30 minutes<br />
45 minutes<br />
30 minutes
Wheelchair Family & NTRP Senior Adult Junior<br />
TABLE 10<br />
Time Allowed Between Sets<br />
After 2nd set with no After 2nd set with After 3rd set<br />
Divisions tiebreak in lieu of tiebreak in lieu of in best<br />
3rd Set 3rd Set of five sets<br />
Boys’ & Girls’ 12-16<br />
Mandatory 10-Minute<br />
rest r period during which<br />
no player shall practice<br />
120-second set break<br />
Boys’ & Girls’ 18 120-second set break* 120-second set break Mandatory<br />
10 Minutes<br />
Mens’ Open, 25, & 30 120-second set break 120-second set break<br />
Tournament<br />
may allow<br />
10 minutes<br />
Women’s Open, 25, & 30<br />
Mixed Doubles<br />
(Open, 25, & 30)<br />
Husband-Wife<br />
Mixed Doubles<br />
Senior Mixed Doubles<br />
(35 & older)<br />
Husband-Wife<br />
10-minute rest period at<br />
option of any player unless<br />
tournament gives notice<br />
that it will eliminate break.<br />
120-second set break<br />
Mixed Doubles<br />
10-minute rest period<br />
(Combined Ages)<br />
Senior 35-90<br />
Parent-Child,<br />
Senior Parent-Child, &<br />
Grandparent-Grandchild<br />
NTRP<br />
at option of any player 120-second set break<br />
Wheelchair Open 120-second set break* 120-second set break<br />
All other Wheelchair 10-minute rest period at 120-second set break<br />
Divisions<br />
option of any player<br />
When a junior “plays up” in age division or a senior “plays down” in age division, the player is governed<br />
by the age division in which the player plays.<br />
When play is suspended for 10 minutes or more, any authorized rest period may be taken only after two<br />
consecutive sets in a best of three set match (three consecutive sets in a best of five set match) have been<br />
played without interruption. Completion of an unfinished set counts as one set.<br />
* When there is heat, humidity or other adverse conditions and after notice before the match, the Referee<br />
may grant 10 minutes, during which no player shall practice.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.D. (Suspension of Play) 109
2. Player may not leave tournament area during suspended match without<br />
permission of Referee. When a match has been suspended, a player may<br />
not leave the tournament area until the player has obtained from the Referee<br />
either the time the player is next to play or clearance to leave.<br />
E. Medical Timeout and Bleeding Timeout<br />
Medical timeouts and bleeding timeouts are administered pursuant to<br />
Table 11.<br />
1. Medical timeout. A medical timeout consists of evaluation time as<br />
determined by the Referee plus a maximum of three minutes treatment<br />
time. The maximum time allowed for evaluation and treatment is 15<br />
minutes.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-1: The Tournament Committee should familiarize itself with<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> Emergency Care Guidelines. See Part 4.<br />
2. Bleeding timeout. A bleeding timeout consists of up to 15 minutes to stop<br />
visible bleeding, clean up the court, and dispose of contaminated items.<br />
3. Medical condition. Medical condition includes, but is not limited to, an<br />
injury, illness, or heat-related condition or cramping, or any condition<br />
that the player believes requires diagnosis or treatment. Medical condition<br />
also includes aggravation of a pre-existing condition.<br />
4. Non-treatable medical conditions. Players may not receive a medical timeout<br />
or treatment any time during a match or a warm-up for the following medical<br />
conditions:<br />
a. Any medical condition that cannot be treated appropriately during a<br />
match, such as degenerative conditions not helped or eased by oncourt<br />
treatment;<br />
b. General player fatigue, such as fatigue not ac<strong>com</strong>panied by cramps,<br />
vomiting, dizziness, blisters, or other similar treatable conditions; and<br />
c. Any medical condition requiring injection, intravenous infusion, or<br />
supplemental oxygen. A player who receives any injection,<br />
intravenous infusion, or supplemental oxygen, except under<br />
circumstances specifically authorized by <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations, shall be<br />
immediately defaulted. Diabetics may use devices to check blood<br />
sugar, may administer subcutaneous injections of insulin, and may<br />
use battery-powered insulin pumps. Asthmatics may use hand-held,<br />
non-battery, or non-electrical inhalers.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-2: A player who receives an injection, IV infusion, or<br />
supplemental oxygen during a rest period shall be defaulted. However, there is<br />
no penalty for these actions during a suspension of play in which the Referee<br />
allows the players to leave the tournament area.<br />
5. Request for medical timeout. A request for a medical timeout may be made<br />
by a player to the Referee, Chair Umpire, or other official at any time during<br />
the match or warm-up.<br />
110 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.E. (Medical Timeout and Bleeding Timeout)
FAC Comment III.E-3: If a player has two medical conditions for which the<br />
player requests two medical timeouts, the player should make both requests<br />
at the same time. The maximum time that play may be interrupted for<br />
evaluation and treatment of the two conditions is 15 minutes.<br />
6. Leaving playing area. A player requesting a medical timeout or bleeding<br />
timeout may leave the playing area to contact the Referee, the Deputy<br />
Referee, or other official in charge of the match. If an official is present,<br />
the player may not leave the playing area without the official’s permission.<br />
7. Coaching not permitted. No coaching shall be permitted during the<br />
suspension of play for a medical timeout or bleeding timeout.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-4: When no qualified medical person is available, the 3-minute<br />
limit on treatment starts when the official finishes explaining the medical timeout<br />
regulation. For this reason the official may want to delay explaining the regulation.<br />
For example, when the supplies and equipment needed to treat a player are not<br />
nearby, the official may delay explaining the medical timeout regulation until after<br />
the official has walked the player to the supplies and equipment.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-5: The time that it takes the player to get clothing and<br />
equipment (other than a racket) back into adjustment and the time it<br />
takes to walk back and forth to the court is not included in the treatment time but<br />
is included in the overall 15-minute limit.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-6: If an official be<strong>com</strong>es aware that a player has a medical<br />
condition that is being treated on odd-game changeovers, the official should<br />
carefully monitor the changeovers to make certain that no player receives coaching.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-7: Early in the third set a player felt woozy and requested<br />
a medical timeout. The Referee told the player that the player was not entitled<br />
to a medical timeout because the player was suffering from non-treatable loss<br />
of physical condition. Was the Referee’s decision correct? No. The Referee should<br />
have allowed enough time for a qualified medical person or trainer to evaluate<br />
whether the player was suffering from general fatigue that was not ac<strong>com</strong>panied<br />
by a treatable medical condition such as cramps, vomiting, some forms of<br />
dizziness, or blisters. If the player’s general fatigue was ac<strong>com</strong>panied by a<br />
treatable medical condition, then the Referee should have allowed it to be<br />
treated. Otherwise no treatment is allowed.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-8: Same situation as in FAC Comment III.E-7 except no<br />
qualified medical person or trainer is on site. The Referee’s decision was not<br />
correct. The Referee should have explained the medical timeout rule to the player<br />
and allowed the player to be treated by whomever the player chooses.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-9: What happens if a player aggravates an old hamstring<br />
injury during the warm-up and then re-aggravates it during the match? The player<br />
is entitled to a medical timeout during the warm-up and again during the match.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-10: What happens if a player takes a medical timeout during<br />
the warm-up because the player has just pulled a hamstring muscle and<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.E. (Medical Timeout and Bleeding Timeout) 111
then aggravates that injury during the match? The player is entitled to another<br />
medical timeout during the match.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-11: A player requested a medical timeout for treatment of leg<br />
cramps. The Referee granted the request. Can a player receive treatment for loss<br />
of physical condition? Yes. A player may be treated as long as the condition is<br />
treatable. The ITF Rules of Tennis no longer distinguish between injuries and<br />
natural loss of physical condition.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-12: A player’s left leg started cramping so the player<br />
requested and received a medical timeout. One-half hour later the player’s right<br />
forearm cramped up and the player requested another medical timeout. The<br />
Referee gave the player another medical timeout. Was the Referee’s decision<br />
correct? No. A player is entitled to only one medical timeout for all cramping and<br />
heat-related conditions during a match.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-13: A player’s left leg cramped, and the player requested and<br />
received a medical timeout to treat this condition. Later the player received a<br />
code violation point penalty and a code violation game penalty. With the score<br />
4-4 and 40-30 in the final set, the player’s leg cramp recurs. The player loses the<br />
point to make the score 4-5. The player hobbles to the chair where the player<br />
normally sits on changeovers. Throughout the changeover the player rubs his leg<br />
in a futile attempt to get rid of the cramp. After 60 seconds the Chair Umpire<br />
announces “time.” After 90 seconds the player is still seated in the chair rubbing<br />
the player’s left leg. What should the Chair Umpire do? The Chair Umpire should<br />
announce “Code violation. Delay of game. Default.” The Chair Umpire should not<br />
issue a time violation because it is clear that the reason for the delay was related<br />
to the player’s physical condition. Only if the Chair Umpire had any doubt about<br />
whether the delay was caused by the player’s physical condition would the Chair<br />
Umpire issue a time violation instead of a code violation.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-14: A junior player started bleeding from the nose. The only<br />
way that the bleeding could be stopped was by placing a piece of cotton in the<br />
player’s nose. The player does not want to play with the cotton. What should the<br />
Referee do? The Referee should explain that the player must choose between<br />
playing with the cotton and being required to retire.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-15: At 3-2 in the first set a junior player started bleeding from<br />
the nose and received a bleeding timeout for this condition. Early in the second set<br />
the nose bleed recurred and the player asked for a second bleeding timeout. The<br />
official denied the second bleeding timeout, but appropriately allowed the player<br />
to be treated briefly to staunch the bleeding by placing cotton plugs in the player’s<br />
nose. The official also cautioned the player that further treatment of the nose bleed<br />
must occur during changeovers or set breaks. Play resumed but two games later<br />
the player suffered a massive nose bleed that again stopped play. What action<br />
should the official take at this point? The official should tell the player that he<br />
obviously cannot continue play and must retire from the match.<br />
FAC Comment III.E-16: What should an official do after a player vomits on the<br />
court? The player may receive a 3-minute medical timeout. The official should<br />
follow the clean-up procedure for bleeding.<br />
112 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.E. (Medical Timeout and Bleeding Timeout)
TABLE 11<br />
Medical Timeouts, Bleeding Timeouts, and Toilet/Change of Attire Breaks<br />
A. When Timeout May Be Taken<br />
Medical condition during warm-up • Immediately after request • At the end of warm-up<br />
Medical condition during match • Immediately after request • Next changeover<br />
• After qualified medical • After Referee or other<br />
person or trainer evalu- official arrives and<br />
ates and is prepared to explains the medical time-<br />
treat the medical condition out provision<br />
Visible bleeding Mandatory bleeding timeout begins when player notifies<br />
official or acknowledges that there is visible bleeding<br />
Toilet/Change of Attire Break When official determines need is genuine. Change of attire<br />
breaks are limited to set breaks unless there is a clothing<br />
malfunction<br />
B. Administration<br />
of the<br />
Timeout<br />
Evaluation time<br />
begins<br />
Treatment time<br />
begins<br />
Maximum<br />
amount of<br />
treatment time<br />
Treatment time<br />
ends<br />
Maximum total<br />
time<br />
If maximum total<br />
time is exceeded<br />
Medical Timeout When<br />
Qualified Medical<br />
Person Available<br />
When qualified medical<br />
person arrives at court<br />
After evaluation by<br />
qualified medical<br />
personnel<br />
When treatment ends<br />
and it has been<br />
determined that player is<br />
able to continue playing<br />
Penalize under PPS,<br />
except that if the medical<br />
tImeout was taken during<br />
the warm-up and the<br />
player is unable to<br />
<strong>com</strong>pete, the match<br />
does not begin<br />
Medical Timeout When<br />
No Qualified Medical<br />
Person Available<br />
Not applicable<br />
After official explains<br />
medical timeout<br />
regulation to player<br />
3 minutes, which includes the time to determine<br />
whether the player is able to continue playing<br />
When treatment ends<br />
and it has been<br />
determined that player<br />
is able to continue<br />
playing<br />
Penalize under PPS,<br />
except that if the medical<br />
tImeout was taken during<br />
the warm-up and the<br />
player is unable to<br />
<strong>com</strong>pete, the match<br />
does not begin<br />
Bleeding Timeout<br />
Not applicable<br />
When player<br />
notifies official or<br />
acknowledges that<br />
there is bleeding<br />
15 minutes<br />
When bleeding has<br />
stopped, playing area<br />
has been cleaned up,<br />
& someone has<br />
disposed of<br />
contaminated items<br />
15 minutes (regardless of number of conditions treated during the stoppage in play)<br />
• If bleeding has not<br />
stopped, the player<br />
must retire<br />
• If bleeding has<br />
stopped, but<br />
playing area is not<br />
cleaned up,<br />
Referee may move<br />
match or continue<br />
cleaning up the<br />
court<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.E. (Medical Timeout and Bleeding Timeout) 113
Who may treat<br />
Treatment during<br />
90-second<br />
Changeover or<br />
Set Break<br />
Where treatment<br />
may occur during<br />
Timeout<br />
Qualified medical person<br />
or trainer<br />
C. Limit on Number of Timeouts<br />
Any person who<br />
player selects.<br />
Official may provide<br />
supplies<br />
• A player may receive on-court evaluation,<br />
treatment, or supplies from anyone for any<br />
treatable medical condition<br />
• A player or someone on behalf of the player shall<br />
notify an official before using any supplies for<br />
treatment of a medical condition<br />
• A player may receive on-court evaluation or<br />
treatment during no more than two changeovers<br />
or set breaks (consecutive or non-consecutive)<br />
• A player may treat himself or herself or receive<br />
supplies an unlimited number of times. A player<br />
may treat his or her doubles partner<br />
Qualified medical<br />
person, trainer, or<br />
any person who<br />
player selects<br />
Not applicable<br />
• On court<br />
• Or off court, if authorized by an official (Off-court treatment does not change<br />
the time limits)<br />
Cramping and heat-related One in warm-up and one in match. Limit<br />
conditions applies even if a heat-related condition or cramping is<br />
in different parts of body<br />
General fatigue No timeout allowed, but qualified medical person or<br />
trainer may evaluate to determine if the problem is<br />
general fatigue<br />
Visible bleeding One in warm-up and one in match. Additional bleeding<br />
timeout is allowed if visible bleeding occurs in a<br />
different area of the body<br />
Medical condition that is not No timeout allowed, but qualified medical<br />
treatable person or trainer may evaluate to determine if the<br />
problem is treatable<br />
Treatable medical condition • One per medical condition<br />
• No more than two medical timeouts during one<br />
stoppage of play regardless of the number of<br />
treatable medical conditions<br />
• A player who has aggravated a condition that was<br />
treated in the warm-up may take an additional<br />
medical timeout for that condition during the match<br />
.<br />
Toilet/Change of Attire Break No limit but official must decide that need is genuine and<br />
not because of general fatigue. Play continues if the<br />
request is not granted. The player has a reasonable<br />
amount of time for the break<br />
114 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.E. (Medical Timeout and Bleeding Timeout)
F. Toilet/Change of Attire Break<br />
A toilet/change of attire break consists of a reasonable amount time when an<br />
official determines that there is genuine need. No coaching is allowed during a<br />
toilet/change of attire break.<br />
FAC Comment III.F-1: When possible these breaks should be taken during a<br />
set break. If this is not possible, then the break should be taken at an odd game<br />
changeover. Breaks taken at other times should be limited to true emergencies.<br />
FAC Comment III.F-2: Gastrointestinal problems are medical problems that<br />
are governed by medical timeout provisions and not by the toilet-break<br />
provisions.<br />
G. Shortening Tournaments<br />
Inclement weather, health concerns, or safety concerns may force the Referee<br />
to take steps to shorten the tournament to keep the tournament on schedule,<br />
including, but not limited to:<br />
1. Switch to no-ad scoring. The Referee may switch to no-ad scoring for any<br />
<strong>com</strong>plete round. However, <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.6. prohibits no-ad scoring<br />
in <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments.<br />
2. Switch to 10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of final set or switch to pro sets.<br />
The Referee may switch to the 10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of a deciding<br />
final set or to pro sets for any <strong>com</strong>plete round with the following exceptions:<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.7. requires the Referee of a <strong>USTA</strong> Junior<br />
National Championship or a <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournament to get the<br />
permission of the Director of Junior Competition or the Director’s<br />
designee before switching, even in cases of inclement weather,<br />
health concerns, or safety concerns;<br />
• See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations X.A.2.h. and X.F.5. for when the 10-Point<br />
Match Tiebreak or pro sets may be used in Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Adult,<br />
Senior, and Family National Championships; and<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations XIII.A.3.d.-h. for when the 10-Point Match Tiebreak<br />
or pro sets may be used in Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National<br />
Championships.<br />
3. Strictly enforce pre-match warm-up time and breaks between sets.<br />
4. Tighten court usage. Use “to be followed by” scheduling and have players<br />
waiting at courtside as soon as matches finish.<br />
5. Cancel matches.<br />
a. Junior Divisions. Referees are encouraged to cancel matches in the<br />
following order:<br />
• consolation doubles;<br />
• consolation singles;<br />
• main draw doubles; and<br />
• main draw singles.<br />
This order of cancelling matches is mandatory for tournaments on<br />
the National Junior Tournament Schedule. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
IX.A.12.<br />
b. Other divisions. If some matches in a division must be canceled, start<br />
with consolation rounds. Cancel main draw singles matches last.<br />
If there is no practical way to finish an event, the Committee shall either make<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.G. (Shortening Tournaments) 115
arrangements that are mutually agreeable to the players to finish at a later date,<br />
or in the absence of such arrangements, declare the tournament event unfinished.<br />
FAC Comment III.G-1: The Referee should cancel matches on a division-bydivision<br />
basis and should try to avoid a situation in which some, but not all,<br />
matches in a round in a division are <strong>com</strong>pleted.<br />
FAC Comment III.G-2: What does a Referee do if a tournament event cannot be<br />
finished without violating some of the scheduling guidelines? First, the Referee<br />
may not violate the minimum rest between matches set forth in Table 9. Second,<br />
the Referee should remember that the principle behind these guidelines is the<br />
protection of the health of the players. Third, the Referee should keep to a<br />
minimum the number of situations in which the guidelines in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
II.D.12. and Tables 6 and 7 are not followed. For example, it makes sense to start<br />
a 12-and-under match after 8 p.m. if that will prevent several players from having<br />
to play three singles matches the following day. This situation might also mean that<br />
the Referee may have to delay the start of the next morning’s matches in order to<br />
give a player enough sleep over night. In short the Referee has to use judgment,<br />
keeping in mind the principle of the health of the players.<br />
H. Ball Change Errors, Ball Replacement, and Practice Balls<br />
1. Ball change errors. Ball change errors are handled under ITF Rules of Tennis<br />
27i.<br />
2. Balls that be<strong>com</strong>e unfit for play. If a ball be<strong>com</strong>es unfit for play (for example,<br />
ball breaks or loses <strong>com</strong>pression), it shall be replaced immediately. If a<br />
ball be<strong>com</strong>es wet, it may be taken out of play temporarily until it dries, or<br />
it may be replaced.<br />
3. Replacement of balls. If a ball has to be replaced during the warm-up or<br />
before the start of the third game after a ball change, the ball shall be<br />
replaced with a new ball. At all other times it shall be replaced with a ball<br />
of like wear to the remaining balls.<br />
4. Resuming play after suspension of match. In matches where a ball change<br />
is authorized only at the start of the third set, warm-up after a suspension<br />
may be conducted with the match balls.<br />
In all other matches, warm-ups after a suspension should be<br />
conducted with balls other than the match balls. If other balls are not<br />
available, then the match balls may be used, but the balls should be<br />
changed two games sooner than the originally specified number of games.<br />
When an Umpire or Referee determines that the condition of the balls has<br />
materially changed since suspension of play, the match shall be resumed<br />
with balls whose condition is equivalent to the condition of the balls that were<br />
being used before their condition materially changed. If this is not possible,<br />
the match shall be resumed with new balls and re-warm-up shall be<br />
conducted with the new balls.<br />
5. Practice during intermission. The Referee may permit practice on the match<br />
court during an intermission, but not with the match balls.<br />
116 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS III.G. (Shortening Tournaments)
IV. PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT<br />
A. Checking in at Tournament<br />
1. Prove <strong>USTA</strong> membership. A player shall provide the Tournament Committee<br />
with proof of <strong>USTA</strong> membership or deposit sufficient funds with the<br />
Committee to purchase a membership. A foreign nonresident player who<br />
has proof that the player is a member of the player’s National Association<br />
is exempt from this requirement. The Committee may delegate this duty to<br />
the Referee.<br />
2. Check-in at tournament desk. A player shall check in at the tournament desk<br />
before the scheduled time of each match. The Referee shall designate a<br />
place at which players shall check in. A player is not deemed to have arrived<br />
until the player checks in at the designated place and the player is properly<br />
clothed, equipped, and ready to play. The Referee may penalize a player who<br />
is on site for lateness if a court is available and the player has failed to check<br />
in at the tournament desk by the scheduled match time. See FAC Comment<br />
IV.D-1.<br />
3. Obtain time of next match. The player is responsible for obtaining the time<br />
of the player’s matches from the Referee, rather than vice versa. Unless<br />
specifically authorized by the Referee, schedules of play carried in<br />
newspapers or other media are not official, and a player utilizes them at<br />
the player’s own risk.<br />
B. Player Responsibilities under The Code<br />
The Code shall apply to all matches played without a Chair Umpire and to matches<br />
played with a Solo Chair Umpire except to the extent the Solo Chair Umpire<br />
informs the players that the official is assuming some of their responsibilities.<br />
The Code is a <strong>USTA</strong> publication originally written by Col. N.E. Powel. The<br />
principles set forth in The Code shall apply in all cases not specifically covered by<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations.<br />
C. Standards of Conduct<br />
1. General. Players, persons who appear to be associated with a player<br />
(including, but not limited to, parents and coaches), officials, and organizers<br />
of any tournament are under a duty to encourage and maintain high<br />
standards of proper conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship. They are<br />
under an obligation to avoid acts which may be considered detrimental to<br />
the game of tennis. Detrimental acts include, but are not limited to, the acts<br />
set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.C.<br />
The Chairperson of any tournament may withhold all or part of any<br />
prize money or expenses payable to any player charged by the<br />
Chairperson or by the Referee of the tournament with conduct<br />
inconsistent with the principles set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.C.,<br />
provided a written grievance is filed within three days of the conduct in<br />
accordance with <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation V.B. Any prize money or expenses so<br />
withheld shall be withheld until a final determination of the charges in<br />
the grievance has been made. Immediately after the final determination,<br />
the funds withheld, less the amount of any fine, shall be promptly paid to<br />
the player.<br />
2. <strong>USTA</strong> Anti-Doping Program. The <strong>USTA</strong> is <strong>com</strong>mitted to ensuring fair and<br />
drug free <strong>com</strong>petition. Individual athletes bear the ultimate responsibility<br />
for choosing for themselves to <strong>com</strong>pete fairly and drug free. Participation<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.C. (Standards of Conduct) 117
in <strong>USTA</strong> tournaments constitutes consent to be tested for drugs. Use of<br />
banned substances and doping methods is cheating and may result in<br />
penalties, including suspension and permanent disqualification. The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
in conjunction with the ITF has developed a program of education, testing,<br />
research, penalties, and rehabilitation. The <strong>USTA</strong> Board of Directors<br />
(hereinafter “Board”) has adopted and supports the <strong>USTA</strong> Anti-Doping<br />
Program. Copies of this program may be obtained from the <strong>USTA</strong> and its<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Sectional Associations.<br />
FAC Comment IV.C-1: The <strong>USTA</strong> publishes the United States Tennis<br />
Association Anti-Doping Program. See this book for the list of prohibited<br />
substances. The handbook is available from <strong>USTA</strong> Coaching Education and<br />
Sports Science Department.<br />
3. Shoes. A player may not wear shoes that mar or damage the court.<br />
4. Warm-up. A player who refuses to warm-up with the opponent forfeits the<br />
right to a warm-up. During the warm-up or a re-warm-up, a player may<br />
have any person hit with the player if the opponent refuses to do so.<br />
5. Leaving court. Once a match with a Chair Umpire has begun, a player<br />
may not leave the court without permission from the Chair Umpire. In a<br />
non-officiated match a player may leave the court for the purpose of<br />
contacting the Referee or for a toilet/change of attire break, provided the<br />
player does this with minimum delay.<br />
FAC Comment IV.C-2. May a player leave the court to get water if none is<br />
available on the court? Yes, but a player should arrange for someone to deliver<br />
water to the player. When this is not possible a player may leave the court to<br />
get water on a changeover or set break. The player must be ready to play within<br />
90 seconds on a changeover and within 2 minutes on a set break.<br />
6. Practice during intermission. During an authorized intermission in all<br />
divisions other than juniors, the Referee may permit practice on the match<br />
court. In Junior Divisions, no player may practice on any court during an<br />
authorized intermission. Practice with the match balls shall never be<br />
permitted.<br />
7. Removal of official. A player is not entitled to have an official removed from<br />
a match.<br />
8. Inspection of ball marks. A player shall not pass the net to inspect a ball<br />
mark.<br />
9. No coaching. Except as permitted under Rule 30 of the ITF Rules of Tennis,<br />
a player may not receive coaching during any suspension or interruption of<br />
play due to the following:<br />
a. Medical timeout or bleeding timeout under <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations<br />
III.E.1 and III.E.2.;<br />
b. Maladjustment of a player’s clothing, footwear, or equipment under<br />
Rule 29(b) of the ITF Rules of Tennis;<br />
c. Toilet/change of attire break or attire break under Rule 29(c) of the<br />
ITF Rules of Tennis and <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.F.; or<br />
d. Seeking the assistance of the Referee under <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.C.5.<br />
118 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.C. (Standards of Conduct)
Coaching is permitted during an authorized rest period under Rule 30<br />
and during any other authorized suspension of play under either <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation III.D.1. or Rule 30. A temporary interruption of play during<br />
which the players do not leave the playing area is not a “suspension” of play<br />
for these purposes. Coaching is not permitted during any warm-up.<br />
10. No abuse of players or officials.<br />
a. No person shall abuse official or player. The Chair Umpire, Referee,<br />
and any other official responsible for ensuring that a match is played<br />
under conditions which are fair to all players shall make certain that<br />
no parent, relative, coach, or other person associated with a player<br />
abuses an official or player.<br />
b. Official may request abusive person to desist or leave tournament<br />
area. A player who enters a sanctioned tournament or match<br />
consents to being penalized under the Point Penalty System for<br />
abusive conduct by a person who appears to be associated with the<br />
player. If the official observes the conduct, the official shall suspend<br />
play and request that the person desist. If the abuse continues, the<br />
official may direct the person to leave the tournament area. In a<br />
flagrant case the official may immediately direct the person to leave<br />
without requesting the person to desist.<br />
c. Point Penalty System applies to abuse. If the person refuses to<br />
follow the instructions to leave, then the official may penalize the<br />
player associated with the person under the Point Penalty System.<br />
(<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.D.8. outlines the right to appeal.)<br />
11. Player shall not enter two tournaments at same time. When entries close,<br />
a player shall not be entered in two or more sanctioned tournaments, if any<br />
part of the tournaments overlap unless each Tournament Committee<br />
involved understands the situation and concurs in writing. After a player<br />
has been eliminated from a tournament whose schedule of play partially<br />
overlaps with that of a second tournament, the player may enter the<br />
second tournament. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations IX.A.9.a.ii., and<br />
IX.A.10.a.ii., which establish a special procedure that allows multiple<br />
entries into <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens.<br />
12. Player shall not enter a tournament intending to withdraw if the player’s entry<br />
is accepted in another tournament. A player shall not enter a tournament<br />
with the intention of withdrawing if the player’s entry is accepted in another<br />
tournament, unless the Tournament Committee for the tournament in which<br />
the player has entered understands the situation and concurs with the<br />
contemplated action.<br />
13. Player shall not enter tournament player cannot finish. Player shall not enter<br />
a tournament (including mandatory consolation) knowing the player will<br />
be unable to finish.<br />
14. Player shall not transfer entry. Player shall not transfer entry in a tournament<br />
to another player.<br />
15. Player shall not withdraw from tournament after entries close except for<br />
illness, injury, personal emergency, or previously authorized entry into<br />
another tournament. A player shall not withdraw from a tournament after<br />
entries close except for illness, injury, personal emergency, or previously<br />
authorized entry into another tournament. If the player withdraws for other<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.C. (Standards of Conduct) 119
easons after the draw has been made and the player has not been replaced<br />
with another player, the match shall be recorded as a default.<br />
A withdrawing player shall immediately notify the Tournament<br />
Committee or Referee by telephone or electronic <strong>com</strong>munication that the<br />
player will not be playing.<br />
• If the player is not playing because of an injury or illness, the player<br />
shall deliver written verification of the injury or illness from a medical<br />
professional to the Referee no later than the last scheduled day of<br />
the tournament.<br />
• If the player is not playing because of a personal emergency, the<br />
player shall deliver a written description of the situation to the Referee<br />
no later than the last scheduled day of the tournament. The Referee<br />
shall determine whether the situation is a personal emergency.<br />
The written verification and written description requirements are<br />
mandatory for all <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional<br />
Tournaments. The Tournament Committee may waive these requirements<br />
unless prohibited from doing so by applicable National, Sectional, or<br />
District regulations.<br />
16. Player shall not fail to appear for reasons other than injury, illness, or<br />
personal emergency. A player shall not enter a tournament and then fail to<br />
appear for a match (whether in the qualifying, main, or consolation draw)<br />
except for illness, injury, or personal emergency. If the player’s reason for<br />
failing to appear is not one of these reasons, or if the player gives no reason<br />
for failing to appear, then the match shall be recorded as a default.<br />
FAC Comment IV.C-3: A junior player entered in a tournament on the National<br />
Junior Tournament Schedule who withdraws before the draw is made or who<br />
withdraws after the draw is made, but is replaced with an alternate, and the<br />
reason for the withdrawal is not for injury, illness, personal emergency, or<br />
previously authorized entry into another tournament is subject to the<br />
Suspension Point System. See Table 20. Sectional and District Associations<br />
may have similar systems that penalize or otherwise discipline players.<br />
17. Player shall not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct. During the course of<br />
a match a player shall not engage in:<br />
a. Verbal abuse. Swear at an official, a spectator, or an opponent in a<br />
voice that can be heard by any person;<br />
b. Visible or audible profanity or obscenity. Use profanity or insulting,<br />
abusive, or obscene language in any way that may be heard by any<br />
person or use obscene, insulting, or abusive gestures;<br />
c. Racket abuse. Throw or break a racket other than in the normal course<br />
of play;<br />
d. Ball abuse. Deliberately hitting, throwing, or kicking a ball that is not<br />
in play if the ball:<br />
• leaves the playing area;<br />
• hits or <strong>com</strong>es close to hitting any person; or<br />
• could cause damage or harm.<br />
e. Physical abuse. Threaten or inflict bodily injury to anyone; or<br />
f. Other unsportsmanlike conduct.<br />
120 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.C. (Standards of Conduct)
18. Player shall not engage in gambling activity. A player shall not:<br />
a. associate with professional gamblers;<br />
b. bet or act as a bookmaker on matches;<br />
c. accept money or other consideration for losing a match or for winning<br />
by only a particular margin; or<br />
d. be a party to any payment of money or other consideration to another<br />
person to induce the person to lose a match or to win by only a<br />
particular margin.<br />
19. Point Penalty System. A player shall not engage in conduct that calls for a<br />
penalty under the Point Penalty System. Any player who violates any <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Tournament Regulation may be penalized under the Point Penalty System.<br />
D. Point Penalty System<br />
1. Mandatory use in any sanctioned tournament. The Point Penalty System<br />
applies to violations occurring during the warm-up and the match in any<br />
sanctioned tournament except that it does not apply to tournaments that<br />
use a QuickStart Tennis format.<br />
2. Purposes of the System. The purposes of the System are to:<br />
a. deter unsportsmanlike conduct;<br />
b. ensure <strong>com</strong>pliance with the continuous-play rule; and<br />
c. ensure on-time appearance for matches.<br />
The objective of the Point Penalty System is not to punish, but to secure<br />
<strong>com</strong>pliance with the ITF Rules of Tennis and <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations.<br />
3. Code violations for misconduct. Misconduct shall be penalized pursuant<br />
to Table 12.<br />
4. Time violations. Time violations shall be penalized pursuant to Table 13.<br />
5. Delay between points. When practical in tournaments using a certified<br />
official in direct observation of the match, the time that shall elapse from the<br />
moment the ball goes out of play until the ball is struck shall not exceed 20<br />
seconds.<br />
6. Officials authorized to impose penalties.<br />
a. Referee. A Referee may impose penalties on the basis of personal<br />
observation or that of any other official or Court Monitor.<br />
b. Chair Umpire. The Chair Umpire is primarily responsible for imposing<br />
penalties in a chaired match. If a Line Umpire observes a conduct<br />
violation or is the object of unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, the<br />
Line Umpire shall, as soon as possible and without disrupting play,<br />
inform the Chair Umpire. The Chair Umpire shall then make a decision<br />
under the Point Penalty System.<br />
c. Roving Umpire. Roving Umpires are primarily responsible for<br />
imposing penalties in matches without Chair Umpires. Roving<br />
Umpires may impose a penalty based only on their observations.<br />
7. Flagrant violations. While the imposition of penalties normally follows Table<br />
12, any flagrantly unsportsmanlike act may result in immediate default.<br />
If an Umpire imposes the default, the player may appeal to the Referee. If<br />
the Referee imposes the default, the player may appeal to the Tournament<br />
Appeals Committee.<br />
8. Appeal of penalty to Referee. A player has the right to appeal a penalty, but<br />
the appeal is limited to questions of law. See Appendix V, ITF Rules of<br />
Tennis.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.D. (Point Penalty System) 121
9. Penalties to be imposed on a doubles team. A penalty on a member of a<br />
doubles team is considered to have been imposed on the team.<br />
10. Penalties treated as if points actually played. All penalties under the Point<br />
Penalty System are treated as though the penalty points or penalty games<br />
actually had been played so far as serving order, court occupancy, and ball<br />
change are concerned. One exception, as Table 14 indicates, is that a<br />
player penalized for lateness also shall be deemed to have lost the toss<br />
provided for in Rule 9 of the ITF Rules of Tennis. The penalized player is<br />
allowed to choose an option, but only after the opponent has chosen. A<br />
second exception is that the first ball change shall be calculated from the<br />
first game played. The choice to serve or receive shall apply to the first<br />
game played.<br />
11. Time delays when each side is responsible. If both players or teams are<br />
equally responsible for delay during a match, any penalty will be imposed<br />
upon the server.<br />
12. Penalties after medical condition develops. Except during the warm-up,<br />
a player suffering from a medical condition may buy time with a penalty.<br />
13. Penalties imposed between games or before match. A penalty imposed<br />
between games or before the start of a match shall apply to the first point<br />
of the next game scheduled to be played.<br />
14. Point penalties. A point penalty is scored as though the player had played<br />
and lost what would have been the next point.<br />
15. Player may not decline penalty. A player who is the beneficiary of a penalty<br />
imposed upon the opponent may not decline to accept it. A player who<br />
disobeys the instructions of an official in such a case is liable to being<br />
defaulted.<br />
16. Reporting penalties to Referee. When feasible, a Roving Umpire should<br />
promptly notify the Referee that a code violation has been assessed. After<br />
a match, officials shall report to the Referee each code violation imposed.<br />
17. Other disciplinary action. Nothing in the Point Penalty System rules out a<br />
subsequent imposition of monetary fines, suspensions, or other disciplinary<br />
actions by whatever governing body has jurisdiction.<br />
18. Announcing score after penalty. After a point or game penalty, the new<br />
score should be announced. After assessing a penalty that ends the match,<br />
the official should delay announcing the score until the official determines<br />
whether the penalized player will appeal.<br />
19. Lateness. Lateness for a match, lateness for resumption of a suspended<br />
match, and lateness after a rest period shall be penalized pursuant to Table 14.<br />
20. Default for failure to arrive on time.<br />
a. Discretion of Referee. The Referee is responsible for issuing defaults<br />
for failure to arrive on time. After considering all relevant<br />
circumstances, the Referee may elect not to default a player or to<br />
reverse a default for failure to arrive within 15 minutes of the time<br />
when the match was scheduled and called.<br />
b. Appeal of default. If the Referee defaults a player for failure to arrive<br />
within 15 minutes of the time when the match was scheduled and<br />
called, the player may appeal the default to the Tournament<br />
Appeals Committee. The Committee may reverse the default after<br />
consideration of all relevant circumstances. If the Committee<br />
122 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.D. (Point Penalty System)
Code Violations<br />
Delay<br />
• Not resuming play within 30 seconds after a<br />
medical timeout or bleeding timeout<br />
• Delay caused by obvious cramping (but<br />
only if the player has already received a<br />
medical timeout for cramping)<br />
• Receipt of evaluation or treatment for one<br />
condition on more than two changeovers<br />
or set breaks<br />
• Taking more than two medical<br />
timeouts during one stoppage of play<br />
• Not resuming play after a changeover or set<br />
break during which the player received<br />
treatment<br />
• Not playing within 20 seconds of having<br />
been directed to resume play<br />
• Passage of 20 seconds after any time<br />
violation<br />
• Delay caused by getting a replacement<br />
racket that is not on court<br />
• Leaving the playing area for an<br />
unauthorized reason<br />
Conduct<br />
• Visible or audible profanity or obscenity<br />
• Abuse of racket, balls, or equipment<br />
• Verbal or physical abuse of a player or<br />
official<br />
• Receipt of coaching<br />
• Abusive conduct by a player or a person<br />
associated with a player (<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
IV.C.10. refers to this situation)<br />
• Retaliatory calls (obviously bad calls made<br />
in retaliation for the opponent’s calls)<br />
• Unsportsmanlike conduct (any other<br />
conduct that is abusive or detrimental to<br />
the sport)<br />
• Failure to follow the instructions of an<br />
official<br />
• Violation of any <strong>USTA</strong> Tournament Regulation<br />
(<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.C.21.)<br />
TABLE 12<br />
POINT PENALTY SYSTEM (PPS)<br />
Code Violations and Penalties<br />
Penalties<br />
Violations shall be penalized as follows:<br />
First Offense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Point<br />
Second Offense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Game<br />
Third Offense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Default<br />
A single flagrant unsportsmanlike act<br />
may be penalized by defaulting the player.<br />
See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.D.7.<br />
A game penalty assessed during a set<br />
tiebreak results in loss of the set. If<br />
assessed during a 10-Point Match<br />
Tiebreak, this results in the loss of the<br />
match.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.D. (Point Penalty System) 123
Time Violations<br />
• Delay between points or after<br />
warm-up<br />
• Violation of the 90-second<br />
changeover or 120-second set<br />
break provisions<br />
Both players equally late up to 15<br />
minutes<br />
Both players more than 15<br />
minutes late<br />
Both players late but arrive at<br />
different times<br />
TABLE 13<br />
Time Violations<br />
Penalties<br />
Violations shall be penalized as<br />
follows:<br />
First Offense.....................Warning<br />
Each additional<br />
violation .........One Point Penalty<br />
When a player is late in arriving for the player’s scheduled match time and<br />
any court is available, the Referee shall start the lateness penalty clock. The<br />
Referee is not required to keep a court open while waiting for a player.<br />
A player is not deemed to have arrived until the player checks in at the<br />
place designated for checking in for matches and is properly clothed,<br />
equipped, and ready to play. A team is not deemed to have arrived until both<br />
partners have arrived.<br />
A. Lateness for Start of Match<br />
If one player or team is late<br />
TABLE 14<br />
Penalties for Lateness<br />
Penalties<br />
5 minutes or less:<br />
Loss of toss plus 1 game<br />
5:01 - 10 minutes:<br />
Loss of toss plus 2 games<br />
10:01 - 15 minutes:<br />
Loss of toss plus 3 games<br />
More than 15 minutes: default<br />
Except for a default, the Referee<br />
shall never assess more than a<br />
3-game penalty for lateness<br />
No penalty<br />
124 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.D. (Point Penalty System)<br />
The Referee may default both<br />
players, or the Referee may reinstate<br />
the match using the principle in<br />
effect when both players are late but<br />
arrive at different times.<br />
The penalty accrues on the arrival of<br />
the first player (A). The opponent (B)<br />
loses the toss and one, two, or three<br />
games depending on the time<br />
elapsed between A’s arrival and B’s<br />
arrival.
B. Lateness for Resumption<br />
of Suspended Match<br />
C. Lateness after Rest Period<br />
Lateness of one player up to 5 minutes<br />
Lateness of one player for more than<br />
5 minutes<br />
Both players equally late up to<br />
5 minutes<br />
Both players are more than<br />
5 minutes late<br />
TABLE 14 (Cont’d)<br />
Penalties<br />
The same penalties are assessed as for<br />
lateness for the start of a match except<br />
there is no loss of toss.<br />
Game Penalty<br />
Default<br />
The last player to arrive loses one game<br />
unless the difference in arrival times is<br />
more than 5 minutes, in which case the<br />
last player to arrive is defaulted<br />
The Referee may:<br />
• Default both players;<br />
• Allow the match to continue without<br />
penalty; or<br />
• Allow the match to continue and<br />
penalize the last player to arrive one<br />
game unless the difference in arrivals<br />
times in more than 5 minutes, in<br />
which case the last player to arrive is<br />
defaulted.<br />
reverses the default and if an alternate already has been placed in<br />
the draw, the Committee may not reinstate the defaulted player in<br />
the main draw or add the player to the consolation unless an<br />
opening be<strong>com</strong>es available.<br />
c. Penalties assessed before default. If the Referee elects not to<br />
declare a default, or if a declared default is reversed by either the<br />
Referee or the Tournament Appeals Committee, any penalties for<br />
lateness assessed before the default shall stand unless the lateness<br />
was caused by an error of a tournament official. For example, if<br />
player A, after having been assessed a penalty of loss of toss plus<br />
3 games, is defaulted for failure to arrive within 15 minutes of the<br />
time when the match was scheduled and called, and the default is<br />
subsequently reversed, the penalty of loss of toss plus 3 games<br />
shall stand, and player A begins play with the score 0-3.<br />
The player who received the benefit of the default shall have no right<br />
to appeal the reversal of the default.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-1: When a court is available, the Referee calls the matches<br />
on or shortly before the scheduled match time. If a court is not available, the<br />
Referee may delay calling the matches until a court is available. When several<br />
matches are scheduled at the same time, the Referee shall call all the matches<br />
at the same time. For example, if five matches are scheduled at 10:00 a.m. but<br />
only one court is available, the Referee should call all matches shortly before<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.D. (Point Penalty System) 125
Racket Abuse<br />
Ball Abuse<br />
Audible or Visible<br />
Obscenity or Profanity<br />
Verbal or Physical Abuse<br />
TABLE 15<br />
Guidelines for Assessing Penalties<br />
Always Generally Sometimes<br />
Action Penalize Penalize Penalize<br />
• Throwing a racket that, even<br />
inadvertently, strikes a person x<br />
• Throwing a racket into the fence or net x<br />
• Throwing a racket in anger or in any<br />
manner that could or does endanger any<br />
person or that damages any part of the<br />
court surface or equipment x<br />
• Breaking a racket x<br />
• Tossing a racket into the air x<br />
• Tossing a racket at the player’s bag x<br />
• Bouncing a racket on the court x<br />
• Deliberately hitting, throwing, or<br />
kicking a ball that is not in play that hits<br />
a person x<br />
• Deliberately hitting, throwing, or<br />
kicking a ball that is not in play that<br />
leaves the playing area x<br />
• Deliberately hitting, throwing, or<br />
kicking a ball that is not in play that<br />
<strong>com</strong>es close to hitting a person x<br />
• Deliberately hitting, throwing, or<br />
kicking a ball that is not in play in a<br />
manner that could cause damage or harm x<br />
A player who hits the opponent while legitimately trying to return a ball to the<br />
opponent should not be penalized.<br />
• Words and gestures that are considered<br />
patently offensive to court personnel,<br />
players, or spectators x<br />
• References to sexual functioning x<br />
• References to deities when associated<br />
with curses x<br />
• Physical attacks, even if no one is hurt x<br />
• Traditional fighting words x<br />
• Ethnic or racial slurs x<br />
• References to sexual orientation x<br />
• Attacks on the <strong>com</strong>petence of an official x<br />
• Taunting x<br />
126 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.D. (Point Penalty System)
Verbal or Physical Abuse( Cont’d)<br />
Coaching<br />
TABLE 15 (Cont’d)<br />
Guidelines for Assessing Penalties<br />
Always Generally Sometimes<br />
Action<br />
• Insulting or abusive words and<br />
Penalize Penalize Penalize<br />
gestures that are directed at a person<br />
• Words and gestures that are<br />
disrespectful, disruptive, or<br />
intimidating such as a loud“Come on”<br />
or “Okay” after the opponent double<br />
x<br />
faults or makes an error on an easy shot<br />
• Words and gestures that are in the face<br />
of a person such as a strong pumped fist<br />
x<br />
directed at close range to an opponent x<br />
• Receipt of coaching x<br />
• Retaliatory calls x<br />
• Other unsportsmanlike conduct x<br />
An official may immediately default a player for a single flagrant unsportsmanlike act.<br />
Examples of acts that may justify a penalty of immediate default include: physical attacks;<br />
injury to an official or player through an act of racket or ball abuse; spitting on a person; and<br />
racial, religious, and sexual orientation slurs.<br />
Unsportsmanlike<br />
Conduct<br />
10:00 a.m. and should start the lateness clock on all players who have not<br />
checked in by 10:00 a.m.<br />
When more matches are scheduled than there are courts available, the<br />
Referee may put the matches out in any order. A player does not escape the<br />
lateness penalty because the player’s match was one of the last matches to be put<br />
on the court.<br />
If one of several matches scheduled at the same time is put out early and<br />
when the scheduled time arrives there is no available court, the lateness clock<br />
does not start until another court be<strong>com</strong>es available.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-2: Guidelines for Implementing Point Penalty System<br />
An accepted method of match control is for an official to caution a player<br />
whose behavior is borderline. The official should never caution a player<br />
whose misconduct is clear; instead, the official should issue a code violation.<br />
Implementation of the Point Penalty System requires judgment. If the player’s<br />
action is such that the official believes that the action should not be repeated,<br />
then at least a caution is required and a code violation may well be appropriate.<br />
A “yes” answer to any of the following questions requires action under the PPS.<br />
• Is the player’s action dangerous to any person on or around the court?<br />
• Is the player’s action abusive towards any person on or around the court?<br />
• Is the player’s action unreasonably delaying the match?<br />
• Is the player’s action unsportsmanlike conduct (for example, making a<br />
retaliatory call)?<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.D. (Point Penalty System) 127
Table 15 contains guidelines for assessing penalties.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-3: A player came back 90 seconds late after the 10-minute<br />
rest period, and the Umpire penalized the player one game. Was this the<br />
correct ruling? Yes. The PPS provides a game penalty for any lateness after a rest<br />
period, with default after five minutes.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-4: A player took a medical timeout because of cramping.<br />
Later in the match the player cramped again, acknowledged that it was a cramp,<br />
and was unable to continue play. The Roving Umpire assessed a code violation<br />
point penalty for delay and told the player to resume play. After another 20<br />
seconds passed without the player resuming play, the official assessed a game<br />
penalty. Should the player have been defaulted because the player had already<br />
received a medical timeout? No. The Roving Umpire handled the situation<br />
correctly. Even after a medical timeout a player may gain additional time<br />
through use of the PPS without being immediately defaulted. Once an official<br />
directs a player to resume play, the player must play within 20 seconds or be<br />
assessed another code violation.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-5: Player A was assessed a point penalty because of<br />
misconduct. In the next game, Player B, who was Player A’s partner,<br />
<strong>com</strong>mitted a conduct violation and was assessed a penalty of one game. Player<br />
A and Player B protested, saying that since this was Player B’s first offense they<br />
should have been assessed only a point. Is this correct? No. An offense by either<br />
partner counts as a team offense, cumulatively.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-6: A player took a medical timeout. Later the player received<br />
additional treatment for that condition during a changeover. The treatment<br />
lasted more than 90 seconds, and the player was late in resuming play. The<br />
Chair Umpire assessed a warning against the player for a time violation. Was the<br />
Umpire’s decision correct? No. A player may be treated during any changeover.<br />
But if the treatment lasts more than 90 seconds, the player is subject to a code<br />
violation for delay.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-7: A player received a code violation point penalty. Shortly<br />
thereafter, when the player was assessed a game penalty for a second code<br />
violation, the player demanded that the Referee be called. Must this demand be<br />
met? If the appeal involves a question of law, the Referee must be called. Most<br />
appeals involving the PPS will involve questions of law. If the appeal involves<br />
only a factual issue, the Referee should not be called.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-8: Player A is penalized loss of toss and a game penalty for<br />
lateness; Player B elects to serve. Player A then asks to serve, claiming that the<br />
penalty game counts as the first game of the match. Decision? Player B will serve<br />
the first game actually played. Player B’s decision to serve applies to the first game<br />
actually served, not the penalty game.<br />
128 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.D. (Point Penalty System)
FAC Comment IV.D-9: Player A is penalized loss of toss and a game penalty for<br />
lateness. Player B asserts that Player A has lost the right to a warm-up. Is this<br />
correct? No. Player A is entitled to a warm-up.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-10: The score is 2-0 and 15-15 in the third set with Player<br />
A serving. Player B has already received a medical timeout for a heat-related<br />
condition. Player B appears to be cramping and is unable to play within 20<br />
seconds. The official issues a time violation warning and orders Player B to<br />
resume play. Player B is not able to play within an additional 20 seconds. The<br />
official issues a code violation for delay and penalizes Player B with a point<br />
penalty. The score is now 30-15. Player B is not able to play within an additional<br />
20 seconds. What should the official do? The official should treat this as another<br />
code violation for delay and penalize Player B with a game penalty.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-11: Same situation as in FAC Comment IV.D-10 except<br />
that the official has assessed Player B the game penalty, the score is now 3-0, and<br />
the players are taking their 90 seconds on the changeover. What happens if<br />
Player B does not resume play after the changeover? The official does not have<br />
to advise Player B to resume play. Instead the official should default Player B<br />
under the Point Penalty System.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-12: Same situation as in FAC Comment IV.D-10 except that<br />
with the score 30-15 after being assessed a point penalty, Player B asks for<br />
another medical timeout. What should the official do? If the cramping is obvious<br />
and if Player B does not resume play within the allotted time between points, the<br />
official shall immediately assess a game penalty. Otherwise the official should<br />
ask Player B why player B needs the medical timeout. If Player B says<br />
cramping, then the official should advise Player B that Player B is not entitled<br />
to a medical timeout and should order Player B to resume play. The official<br />
should assess a game penalty against Player B if Player B is not ready to play<br />
within 20 seconds. If Player B states that the problem is a pulled muscle, the<br />
official must allow a medical timeout. If it is determined that Player B did not pull<br />
a muscle but instead is cramping, the medical timeout ends. The official tells<br />
Player B to resume play. If Player B does not resume play within 20 seconds, the<br />
official should assess a game penalty.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-13: What should happen when one player repeatedly fails to<br />
call out the score and officials are called to the court repeatedly to settle scoring<br />
disputes? The official should tell the player that The Code § 31 requires the server<br />
to call out the score. In a particularly egregious case, the official may treat<br />
subsequent incidents as code violations for failure to follow the instructions of an<br />
official.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-14: What should an official do when a player has been<br />
overruled more than once during a match? At some point, an official may caution<br />
the player (or team) that future overrules will be penalized under the Point Penalty<br />
System as unsportsmanlike conduct. There is no hard and fast rule as to how<br />
many overrules is “too many.” An official should consider all factors including:<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.D. (Point Penalty System) 129
• the age and experience of the player;<br />
• the closeness of the calls;<br />
• the importance of the points on which the overrules have occurred;<br />
• the factors that might have caused the player to miss the call (e.g., a<br />
sudden gust of wind blew the ball in at the last minute versus apparent<br />
outright cheating or a retaliatory call); and<br />
• the frequency with which the overrules occur.<br />
An official should consider cautioning a player if there have been two overrules<br />
during the same set. Once an official cautions a player that subsequent<br />
overrules will be penalized under the Point Penalty System, the official must<br />
penalize subsequent overrules.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-15: What should an official do when a player grunts so loudly<br />
that play on nearby courts is affected? The official may treat loud grunting as a<br />
hindrance. If the official concludes that the grunting affected the out<strong>com</strong>e of the<br />
point on the court where the grunting occurred, the official may order that the<br />
point be replayed. The official should advise the player that subsequent loud<br />
grunting that affects the out<strong>com</strong>e of a point will be treated as a hindrance and will<br />
result in loss of the point. An official should not order a point replayed on an<br />
adjacent court even if the grunting may have affected the out<strong>com</strong>e of a point on<br />
that court.<br />
FAC Comment IV.D-16: What should an official do when a player engages in<br />
loud outbursts in a foreign language? If the loud outburst is in a language that<br />
the official does not understand, the official should caution the player that<br />
further foreign language outbursts that are not understood by the official will<br />
be penalized under the Point Penalty System as unsportsmanlike conduct.<br />
E. Defaults and Disqualifications<br />
1. Default of player for cause. The Referee, Deputy Referee, Chair Umpire, or<br />
Roving Umpire may default a player. A player may be defaulted for cause<br />
including, but not limited to, tardiness, misconduct, or failure to follow the<br />
instructions of an official.<br />
2. Disqualification of ineligible player. Upon presentation of proof, the Referee<br />
shall disqualify a player who has entered a tournament for which the player<br />
is ineligible because of age or other restrictions that apply for that<br />
tournament. The Referee may reinstate the loser of the last match won by<br />
the disqualified player.<br />
3. Appeal to Tournament Appeals Committee of disqualification or unilateral<br />
default issued by Referee. If the Referee disqualifies or unilaterally defaults a<br />
player, the player shall notify the Referee within 15 minutes of being notified of<br />
the disqualification or default of the player’s intent to appeal to the Tournament<br />
Appeals Committee. The Tournament Appeals Committee’s decision on any<br />
appeal shall be final.<br />
4. Appeal to Referee of default issued by official other than Referee. A player who<br />
has been defaulted by an official other than the Referee may appeal the decision<br />
to the Referee. The Referee’s decision shall be final. In the absence of the<br />
Referee, a Deputy Referee shall decide the appeal unless it was that Deputy<br />
130 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.E. (Defaults and Disqualifications)
Referee who issued the default, in which case the Tournament Appeals<br />
Committee shall decide the appeal.<br />
5. Players shall not leave playing area while appeal is pending. When a player<br />
appeals an on-court disqualification or default, the player must appeal<br />
before the players leave the playing area. When an appeal has been made,<br />
no player shall depart the playing area until the appeal has been acted upon.<br />
6. When defaulted player may play in other events. A player who has been<br />
defaulted for misconduct shall not participate in any other events in that<br />
tournament. Tardiness is not considered misconduct. A default for<br />
misconduct assessed against a doubles player shall not prohibit the<br />
participation of the partner in other events in that tournament unless, in the<br />
judgment of the Referee, the conduct of both partners contributed to the<br />
default. A player who has been defaulted for a reason other than<br />
misconduct is entitled to play in all other events in the tournament, provided<br />
that once a player has been replaced in the main draw by an on-site alternate,<br />
the player is not entitled to play in the consolation. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
II.B.5.c.<br />
7. Betting. If a player bets on any match, the Referee shall immediately default<br />
the player from all events and remove the offender from any further<br />
connection with the tournament.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IV.E. (Defaults and Disqualifications) 131
V. POST-TOURNAMENT REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
A. Responsibilities of Tournament Committee and Referee After Completion<br />
of Tournament<br />
1. Submit draw sheets to <strong>USTA</strong> within seven days. Within seven days after<br />
the <strong>com</strong>pletion of a tournament, the Tournament Committee shall submit<br />
to the body issuing the sanction <strong>com</strong>plete, legible draw sheets containing<br />
first and last names of all players, match scores, and other information<br />
that is required by the body issuing the sanction. Failure to submit these<br />
reports may bring about disciplinary action by the sanctioning body. The<br />
foregoing also applies to Feed-In Championships and consolations<br />
conducted as part of the tournament.<br />
2. Reports on players whose prize money was withheld. Within three days<br />
after the <strong>com</strong>pletion of a tournament, the Tournament Committee shall<br />
file a report with the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee on any player whose<br />
prize money was withheld pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.C.1. Failure to<br />
submit these reports may bring about disciplinary action by the<br />
sanctioning body.<br />
3. Referee reports violations of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations within three days. Within<br />
three days after the end of a tournament, the Referee shall file a written<br />
report of all violations of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations and penalties imposed with<br />
the Sectional Association where the tournament was held and with the<br />
Sectional Association where the player is domiciled. If the tournament<br />
was a junior tournament published on the National Junior Tournament<br />
Schedule, the Referee also shall file the report with the <strong>USTA</strong> Junior and<br />
Collegiate Competition Department. A Referee’s failure to file the written<br />
report within three days after the end of a tournament shall not invalidate<br />
any post-tournament disciplinary action based on violations of <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations nor shall it invalidate any penalties imposed.<br />
B. Grievances<br />
Any official, volunteer, player, or person associated with a player (including,<br />
but not limited to, a parent or coach) who observes a violation of <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations, standards of conduct, fair play, or good sportsmanship may file<br />
a written grievance according to the grievance procedures of the Sectional<br />
Association where the tournament was held; except if the conduct arises out<br />
of any of the following tournaments, the grievance shall be filed with the<br />
Chairperson of the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee, c/o <strong>USTA</strong> Executive Director,<br />
70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, New York 10604:<br />
• Junior tournaments on the National Junior Tournament Schedule;<br />
• Adult, Senior, and Family tournaments on the National Adult, Senior, and<br />
Family Tournament Schedule;<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> National Intersectional Team events;<br />
• Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championships, or<br />
• International <strong>com</strong>petitions in which <strong>USTA</strong> players participate.<br />
(See <strong>USTA</strong> Bylaw 43 for procedures and time frames for the filing of grievances<br />
and appeals.)<br />
C. Suspensions by Sectional Associations<br />
A Sectional Association that imposes a suspension from participation in<br />
tournaments as the result of a grievance arising out of a sectional matter or as<br />
a result of a suspension imposed under its Suspension Point System shall<br />
132 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS V.A. (Responsibilities of Tournament Committee…)
eport the suspension to the <strong>USTA</strong> National office within seven days of the<br />
suspension be<strong>com</strong>ing final under the Sectional Association’s procedures. If<br />
the suspension involves Adult, Senior, Family, or Wheelchair tournaments, the<br />
Sectional Association shall forward a copy of the notice of suspension to the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Competitive Play Department. If the suspension involves Junior<br />
tournaments, the Sectional Association shall forward a copy of the notice of<br />
suspension to the <strong>USTA</strong> Junior and Collegiate Competition Department. The<br />
failure to forward the notice of suspension within seven days after the<br />
suspension be<strong>com</strong>es final shall not invalidate the suspension.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS V.C. (Suspensions by Sectional Associations) 133
VI. QUICKSTART TENNIS FORM<strong>AT</strong>S<br />
A. Purpose<br />
QuickStart Tennis formats help players learn tennis by utilizing specialized<br />
equipment, a smaller court, and modified scoring.<br />
B. Boys’ and Girls’ 8 Divisions<br />
1. Format. The following QuickStart Tennis format is required for use in<br />
sanctioned tournaments in Boys’ and Girls’ 8 divisions and is<br />
re<strong>com</strong>mended for other <strong>com</strong>petitions in these divisions.<br />
a. Court. The court shall be a 36-foot court as described in Figure 9.<br />
b. Ball. The ball shall be a stage 3 (red) ball of any <strong>com</strong>position as<br />
described in Appendix VI of the ITF Rules of Tennis.<br />
c. Racket. The racket shall be no longer than 23 inches (58.5 cm).<br />
d. Scoring. The match shall consist of the best two out of three<br />
games. Each game shall consist of a 7-Point Tiebreak, except that<br />
the players shall not change ends during the game. The players<br />
shall change ends after each game.<br />
2. Draw format and size. Tournament draws shall be any non-elimination<br />
format such as a <strong>com</strong>pass draw or round robin. The maximum draw<br />
size shall be 32. Tournaments should not last more than one day.<br />
3. Results not considered for ranking. Results shall not be considered for<br />
ranking.<br />
4. Special provisions. A tournament in these divisions:<br />
• Requires a Tournament Director, who may also serve as the<br />
Referee;<br />
• Requires a Referee, but the re<strong>com</strong>mendation for the use of a<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>-certified Referee does not apply;<br />
• Shall offer reasonable rest to players between matches; and<br />
• Does not use the Point Penalty System.<br />
FAC Comment VI.B-1. Because QuickStart Tennis formats matches are<br />
relatively short, the minimum rest period of 30 minutes in Table 9 does not<br />
apply. In many cases a rest period of no more than 15 minutes will be<br />
appropriate.<br />
FAC Comment VI.B-2. The <strong>USTA</strong> re<strong>com</strong>mends that Boys’ and Girls’ 10<br />
divisions use a QuickStart Tennis format. Re<strong>com</strong>mendations for these<br />
divisions are:<br />
1. Court. The court shall be a 60-foot court as described in Figure 10.<br />
2. Ball. The ball shall be a stage 2 (orange) or stage 1 (green) ball of<br />
any <strong>com</strong>position as described in Appendix VI of the ITF Rules of<br />
Tennis.<br />
3. Racket. The racket may not exceed 25 inches (63.5 cm).<br />
4. Scoring. The scoring shall be the best of three sets. The first two<br />
sets shall be short sets. The third set shall consist of a 7-Point<br />
Tiebreak.<br />
5. Draw format. Tournament draws shall be any non-elimination<br />
format such as a <strong>com</strong>pass draw or round robin. Tournaments<br />
should not last more than one day.<br />
134 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VI.A. (Purpose)
6. Results not considered for ranking. Results from tournaments that<br />
use the QuickStart Tennis format shall not be considered for<br />
ranking.<br />
7. Special provisions. A tournament using the QuickStart Tennis<br />
format in these divisions:<br />
• Requires a Tournament Director, who may also serve as the<br />
Referee;<br />
• Requires a Referee, but the re<strong>com</strong>mendation for the use of a<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>-certified Referee does not apply;<br />
• Shall offer reasonable rest to players between matches; and<br />
• Does not use the Point Penalty System.<br />
➝<br />
36'<br />
➝<br />
➝<br />
➝<br />
13'6'<br />
18'<br />
➝<br />
➝<br />
Instructions for Laying Out 36-Foot Court<br />
on Top of Regulation 78-Foot Court<br />
➝<br />
9' ➝<br />
4'6" ➝<br />
➝<br />
36-Foot Court<br />
Fig. 9<br />
The Court<br />
The court shall be a rectangle that is 36 feet long and 18 feet wide.<br />
This size shall be used for singles and doubles.<br />
The Net<br />
The court shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended by a<br />
cord that shall pass over or be attached to two net posts at a height of 2<br />
feet 9 inches. The net shall be fully extended so that it <strong>com</strong>pletely fills the<br />
space between the two net posts and must be made of sufficiently small<br />
mesh so that a ball cannot pass through it. The height of the net at its<br />
center shall be 2 feet 9 inches.<br />
Marking the Lines on the Court:<br />
• Create two baselines by drawing lines that are 36 feet apart at the<br />
ends of the court. (This places the baselines on top of the doubles<br />
sidelines of a 78-foot court.)<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VI.B. (Boys’ and Girls’ 8 Divisions) 135
• Create two sidelines by drawing lines that are 18 feet apart and<br />
perpendicular to the baselines. They are used for singles and<br />
doubles. (This places the sidelines on the baseline and service<br />
line of a 78-foot court.)<br />
• Create two service lines by drawing lines between the sidelines<br />
that are parallel to each baseline and 4 feet 6 inches inside each<br />
baseline.<br />
• Create the center service line by starting at one service line and<br />
drawing a line parallel to the sidelines that is half way between<br />
the sidelines and that ends at the other service line. (The center<br />
service line results in the formation of two service courts on each<br />
side of the court.)<br />
• Divide each baseline in half by a 2-inch wide center mark that is<br />
drawn inside the baseline and parallel to the sidelines.<br />
• All lines shall be 1.5 inches wide, the same color, and shall clearly<br />
contrast with the color of the surface. If the lines are painted on a<br />
78-foot court, they shall be of a different color than the lines on the<br />
78-foot court and shall stop 2 inches from the standard lines.<br />
• All measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines.<br />
➝<br />
27'<br />
➝<br />
➝<br />
➝<br />
9' ➝<br />
Instructions for Laying Out 60-Foot Court<br />
on Top of Regulation 78-Foot Court<br />
➝<br />
21'<br />
60-Foot Court<br />
➝<br />
The Court<br />
The court shall be a rectangle that is 60 feet long and 21 feet wide for<br />
singles and 60 feet long and 27 feet wide for doubles.<br />
The Net<br />
The court shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended by a<br />
cord that shall pass over or be attached to two net posts at a height of 3<br />
feet 6 inches. The net shall be fully extended so that it <strong>com</strong>pletely fills the<br />
space between the two net posts and must be made of sufficiently small<br />
136 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VI.B. (Boys’ and Girls’ 8 Divisions)<br />
60'<br />
Fig. 10<br />
➝<br />
10'6"<br />
➝<br />
➝<br />
3'<br />
➝<br />
➝
mesh so that a ball cannot pass through it. The height of the net at its<br />
center shall be 3 feet. The net may be held down by a strap. The strap and<br />
band shall be primarily white.<br />
Marking the Lines on the Court<br />
• Create two baselines by drawing lines that are 60 feet apart at the<br />
ends of the court.<br />
• Create two singles sidelines by drawing lines that are 27 feet apart<br />
and perpendicular to the baselines. Leave a 2-inch gap in each<br />
sideline immediately behind each service line.<br />
• Create two doubles sidelines by drawing lines that are 33 feet apart<br />
and perpendicular to the baselines. (This places the doubles<br />
sidelines on top of the singles sideline for a 78-foot court.)<br />
• Use the existing service lines of the 78-foot court as the service<br />
lines.<br />
• Use the existing center service line of the 78-foot court as the<br />
center service line.<br />
• Divide each baseline in half by a 2-inch wide center mark that is<br />
drawn inside the baseline and parallel to the sidelines.<br />
• All lines shall be 1.5 inches wide, the same color, and shall clearly<br />
contrast with the color of the surface. If the baselines and singles<br />
sidelines are painted on a 78-foot court, they shall be of a different<br />
color than the lines on the 78-foot court.<br />
• All measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VI.B. (Boys’ and Girls’ 8 Divisions) 137
VII. OFFICI<strong>AT</strong>ING REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
A. Referee. The Referee is the official who is responsible for assuring that the<br />
<strong>com</strong>petition is fair and played under the ITF Rules of Tennis and the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations. The Referee supervises all aspects of play including, but not<br />
limited to, the conduct and actions of players, coaches, parents, spectators,<br />
officials, groundskeepers, and administrative crew. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations<br />
I.C.4 and III.B. and Table 3.<br />
FAC Comment VII.A-1: Referee Procedures<br />
1. The Referee’s should be present whenever matches are being played.<br />
When the Referee is not present or is playing a match, the Referee shall<br />
appoint a Deputy Referee who shall be present.<br />
2. The Referee and other officials shall settle scoring disputes in<br />
non-officiated matches by using their best judgment. They should first<br />
attempt to get the players to reconstruct the score so that they agree on<br />
it. Thereafter, the following options are listed in order of preference:<br />
• Counting all points or games agreed on by the players, with only<br />
the disputed points or games being replayed;<br />
• Playing from a score mutually agreeable to the players; and<br />
• Deciding the score by a coin toss.<br />
(See <strong>USTA</strong> Comments 5.4-6.)<br />
3. The Referee shall obtain and prepare the scorecards unless the Referee<br />
delegates this duty to the Chief Umpire or the Chair Umpire.<br />
FAC Comment VII.A-2: Deputy Referee Procedures<br />
The Referee may appoint a Deputy Referee to assist in the performance of the<br />
Referee’s duties or to assume these duties when the Referee is absent.<br />
FAC Comment VII.A-3: Field Referee Procedures<br />
A Field Referee is a Deputy Referee at a secondary site who shall:<br />
1. Act as the Referee at the secondary site (the decisions are final to the<br />
same extent that the Referee’s decisions are final);<br />
2. Provide information to the players or officials regarding the scoring<br />
system, ball change, warm-up, and rest periods;<br />
3. Advise the other officials of their responsibilities including<br />
enforcement of the Point Penalty System and the foot fault rules;<br />
4. Oversee the conduct of play for all courts at the site, enforce the ITF<br />
Rules of Tennis, Point Penalty System, <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations, and The<br />
Code, and take appropriate actions with respect to any infractions that<br />
the Referee or the other officials observe;<br />
5. Assure that the singles sticks are installed for singles matches and<br />
removed for doubles matches and that the net is measured and properly<br />
tensioned at the start of the day and at appropriate times;<br />
6. Penalize a player who is late under the Point Penalty System;<br />
7. Avoid umpiring matches (when this is not possible, the Referee shall<br />
appoint a qualified Deputy Referee); and<br />
8. When necessary serve simultaneously as the Field Referee and a<br />
Roving Umpire.<br />
138 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.A. (Referee)
FAC Comment VII.A-4: May the Referee authorize a player to wear a cell<br />
phone in vibrate mode? Unless the Referee specifically authorizes a player<br />
to wear a cell phone in vibrate mode, any cell phone that is brought to the<br />
court must be turned off and placed so that it can be neither seen nor heard.<br />
A Referee might authorize a doctor or emergency medical responder who is<br />
on call to wear a cell phone in vibrate mode. The Referee should advise the<br />
opponent that the player is authorized to wear the cell phone. If the<br />
authorized cell phone vibrates during a point, play continues unless the<br />
opponent claims a let based on an unintentional hindrance. If a player’s cell<br />
phone rings, the opponent may stop the point and claim the point on the<br />
grounds of a deliberate hindrance.<br />
FAC Comment VII.A-5: May an official control the location of devices<br />
capable of receiving information? Yes. An official may require that these<br />
devices be placed where they can neither be seen nor heard.<br />
B. Chief Umpire<br />
The Chief Umpire appoints and replaces or reassigns, when necessary, Chair<br />
Umpires, Line Umpires, Roving Umpires, and Net Umpires in those<br />
tournaments where the Referee has delegated these duties to the Chief Umpire.<br />
FAC Comment VII.B-1: Chief Umpire Procedures<br />
1. Obtain from the Referee the court availability, the number of officials<br />
to be used for each match, the ball change, and other pertinent<br />
information.<br />
2. Recruit the necessary <strong>com</strong>petent Umpires, establish their availability,<br />
and schedule their daily court assignments.<br />
3. After coordinating the time and place with the Referee, schedule a<br />
pre-tournament meeting of all Umpires in order to discuss the general<br />
conditions involved in working the tournament.<br />
4. Conduct a meeting of the involved Umpires before each session of the<br />
tournament to give direction, inform them of changes in procedures or<br />
to review previous matches as a means to improve future performance.<br />
5. Evaluate the work of all Umpires and offer constructive criticisms and<br />
suggestions.<br />
6. Prepare the scorecard for each match and maintain a file of all<br />
<strong>com</strong>pleted scorecards.<br />
7. Furnish the media with any factual information they may request,<br />
subject to the approval of the Referee.<br />
8. Designate the method of deployment of on-court officials during a<br />
match, following <strong>USTA</strong> standard procedures.<br />
C. Chair Umpire<br />
1. Enforces the rules and regulations. The Chair Umpire conducts the<br />
match in accordance with the ITF Rules of Tennis and <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations.<br />
2. Calls the lines when no Line Umpire is assigned. In the absence of any<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire) 139
Line Umpire or Net Umpire, the Chair Umpire assumes all their duties<br />
except those delegated to another Umpire or to the players.<br />
3. Assigns the officials to the lines. When the Referee or Chief Umpire has<br />
not given specific assignments to the various Line Umpires, then the<br />
Chair Umpire makes these assignments in the way best to utilize their<br />
services.<br />
4. Enforces instructions as to who enters playing area. The Chair Umpire<br />
shall enforce the Referee’s instructions as to who may enter the playing<br />
area, and in the absence of instructions the Chair Umpire shall<br />
determine who may enter the playing area.<br />
5. Requests replacement of official for good cause; rearranges<br />
assignment of officials. The Chair Umpire may request that the Referee<br />
or the Chief Umpire replace one or more Umpires if, and only if, the<br />
Chair Umpire determines that there is good and sufficient cause. In any<br />
case, play shall continue pending the decision. The Chair Umpire may<br />
rearrange the assignment of Umpires at any time.<br />
6. Calls the score. The Chair Umpire calls the points, games, and sets at<br />
the end of each, respectively, and when asked to call them.<br />
7. Sees that players change ends and play continuously. The Chair<br />
Umpire sees that the players change ends in accordance with the rules<br />
(allowing them no delay or rest during a tiebreak). The Chair Umpire<br />
sees that they resume play promptly at the end of an authorized rest<br />
period and sees that play is continuous.<br />
8. Scorecard. The Chair Umpire records the points, games, and sets on<br />
the scorecard. The Chair Umpire signs the scorecard at the end of the<br />
match and delivers it without delay to the Chief Umpire or the Referee.<br />
The failure of the Chair Umpire to sign or deliver the scorecard does<br />
not invalidate the match.<br />
9. When Line Umpire is unable to make call. When a Line Umpire is<br />
unable to make a call, the Chair Umpire may make the call. While a<br />
replay is to be avoided if at all possible, the Chair Umpire shall order a<br />
point replayed if a valid call cannot be made.<br />
10. Suspension of match. The Chair Umpire shall advise the Referee when<br />
playing conditions justify suspension of the match. When practicable,<br />
the Chair Umpire shall obtain the Referee’s approval before suspending<br />
play.<br />
11. Alters ball change. The Chair Umpire may call for a ball change at other<br />
than the prescribed time when abnormal conditions warrant so doing.<br />
12. Final decision on fact questions; overrules clear mistakes. The Chair<br />
Umpire makes the final decision on every question of fact in the match,<br />
including the overruling of the Net Umpire or Line Umpire if required to<br />
correct a clear mistake.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-1: What is the difference between a “Question of Fact”<br />
and a “Question of Law”? “Questions of Fact” involve whether a specific<br />
event happened. Examples include whether a ball is in; whether a ball<br />
touched a player, whether a ball bounced twice, and whether a server’s foot<br />
touched the baseline before the serve was struck. “Questions of Law” involve<br />
the application of the rules or regulations to facts that have already been<br />
140 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire)
determined. Examples include determining whether an act was a hindrance;<br />
whether a player should have been assessed a code violation for misconduct;<br />
and the procedure for correcting errors in serving order, serving and receiving<br />
position, and ends.<br />
13. Decisions on questions of law subject to appeal. The Chair Umpire<br />
decides all questions of law, subject to an appeal by a player to the<br />
Referee. Appendix V, Cases 1 and 2 of the ITF Rules of Tennis, <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation IV.D.8., and <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.E.4. refer to this<br />
situation.) The Referee also decides any question of law that a Chair<br />
Umpire is unable to decide. When the matter under consideration<br />
affects the scoring of a match, the Chair Umpire shall immediately bring<br />
it to the Referee’s attention and suspend play pending the decision. In<br />
all other cases of appeal, play shall be continued while the matter is<br />
being considered. The Referee’s decision in such cases shall be final.<br />
14. Defaults player for cause. The Chair Umpire may default a player for cause,<br />
which includes, but is not limited to, tardiness after an intermission,<br />
misconduct, or failure by the player to <strong>com</strong>ply with instructions.<br />
15. Calls service lets and “walking and running” foot faults. The Chair Umpire<br />
calls service lets and foot faults that are in violation of the “walking or<br />
running” prohibition.<br />
16. Balls that touch ceiling. On an indoor court where part of the ceiling area<br />
is obstructed from the view of the Chair Umpire and the Net Umpire, the<br />
Chair Umpire may assign the calling of touches in that area to one of the<br />
other Umpires.<br />
17. Miscellaneous violations. The Chair Umpire calls any violations during<br />
play in which:<br />
a. A ball in play touches a player;<br />
b. A player touches the net or the opponent’s court while the ball is<br />
in play;<br />
c. A player strikes the opponent’s return before it has passed the net;<br />
d A not-up (double-bounce) occurs;<br />
e. An illegal carry, double-hit, or other illegal stroke is made; and<br />
f. A ball in play passes through the net.<br />
These duties, or portions thereof, may be delegated to the Net Umpire.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-2: Chair Umpire Procedures<br />
1. Learn the basic facts about the match, such as name of tournament,<br />
event (men’s, women’s, singles, doubles, etc.), the round, best of sets,<br />
correct names, and residences of the players, and the ball change. This<br />
information should be on the scorecard. If it isn’t, write the information<br />
on the card.<br />
2. Your supplies should include a stopwatch, measuring device, and<br />
eraser-equipped pencils. Optional equipment includes a cap or visor,<br />
safety pins, adhesive tape, and bandaids.<br />
3. When you go to the court (preceding the players), check the height of<br />
the net. Ensure that singles sticks are in place on opposite sides of<br />
the net, or removed for doubles; check the ball supply (including<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire) 141
used balls) and equipment for the Umpire’s chair. Also, confirm the<br />
availability of players’ supplies, water, towels, sawdust, etc.<br />
4. Have a pre-match conference with players. Be brief and informative.<br />
Always bring the players (in doubles at least one member of each<br />
team) together at the net near the center strap. Discuss only<br />
necessary information, for example, the number of balls in use, the<br />
ball change pattern, and anything unusual such as longer warm-ups<br />
or reduced crews with the chair calling some of the lines. An example<br />
of such a discussion: “Gentleman, we’re using 4 balls; change at 9<br />
and 11.” Toss a coin for winner’s choice according to Rule 9.<br />
5. In making the pre-match announcement, be brief! An example: “Ladies<br />
and gentlemen, this third round match will be the best of three<br />
tiebreak sets. To the left of the chair, from Rye, NY, Alex Adams and<br />
from White Plains, NY, Jerry Baker; to the right of the chair, from<br />
Greenwich, CT, Chris Clark and from Hicksville, NY, Don Dunn.<br />
Adams and Baker won the toss and chose to receive.” (This part of<br />
the introduction should be made after the two minute or one minute<br />
announcement during warm-up.) “Time.” (Glance to see that the<br />
players and officials are ready.) “Don Dunn to serve...Play!” If the<br />
match will use no-ad scoring and a 10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of<br />
the third set, the introduction should be: “Ladies and gentlemen, this<br />
third round match will consist of two tiebreak sets. No-ad scoring will<br />
be used. A 10-Point Match Tiebreak will be used at one set all.” At one<br />
set all the Umpire should announce: “A 10-Point Match Tiebreak will<br />
now be played to decide the match.”<br />
6. If there is any doubt, ask the players how to pronounce their names<br />
before the pre-match conference. Announce each player only as the<br />
player serves for the first time and again after any intermission. In<br />
announcing a match involving players from another country, introduce<br />
the visitor(s) first.<br />
7. Titles, such as Mr., Mrs., or Ms. are used when directly<br />
<strong>com</strong>municating with a player or issuing a penalty. Use only the<br />
players’ surnames on scoring. For example, “Advantage Adams.”<br />
8. In doubles, use the server’s name when the server’s team has<br />
the advantage and use the name of the player receiving when the<br />
receiver’s team has the advantage.<br />
9. Call games as follows:<br />
• “Game, Smith; first game.”<br />
• “Game, Smith; three all, first set.”<br />
• “Game, Jones; first game, second set.”<br />
• “Game, Jones; Jones leads 3-2 and 1 set to love.”<br />
• “Game, Jones; Jones leads 3-2, second set; first set, Smith.”<br />
• “Game, Jones; three all, second set.”<br />
• “Game, Smith; first game, final set.”<br />
Call sets as follows: “Game and second set, Smith, 7-5. One set all.”<br />
The scores of previous sets are never given.<br />
10. When announcing a tiebreak, use the following: “Game, Smith. 6-all,<br />
first set. Tiebreak.”<br />
11. In calling the score in a tiebreak, give the leader’s score, then the score<br />
142 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire)
of the opponent, then the name of the leader, for example, “4-zero,<br />
Scott”, or “3-2, Jones-Smith” or “3-all.” In tiebreaks use “zero” instead<br />
of “love.”<br />
12. When the score reaches “Deuce” in no-ad scoring in events other than<br />
mixed doubles, announce “Deuce, Deciding Point, Receivers’ Choice.”<br />
13. To prevent play from starting, say: “Wait, please.” To interrupt play, say:<br />
“Let.” Say: “Replay the point,” if the interruption requires it. Don’t say:<br />
“Play a let.”<br />
14. If there is an unusual interruption in play (medical timeout, equipment<br />
repair, etc.) be sure to inform the opposing player(s) and the<br />
crowd. Keep your announcement very brief and simple: “Ladies and<br />
gentlemen, Mr. Adams is taking a medical timeout.” The objective is to<br />
keep everyone informed of what is occurring on court.<br />
15. When a player takes a medical timeout, be sure to start your watch.<br />
Announce: “2 minutes,” “1 minute,” then “30 seconds” to let the players<br />
know the time remaining.<br />
16. The call for first serve let is: “Let, first serve”; on a second serve: “Let,<br />
second serve.”<br />
17. Remember at changeovers to call “Time” at 60 seconds. On set breaks,<br />
call “Time” at 90 seconds. If a player is late leaving the courtside chair,<br />
you may call “15 seconds” at the end of 75 seconds. This warning<br />
should be used sparingly and is not mandatory.<br />
18. A code violation should be announced in accordance with the following<br />
examples: “Code violation, delay of game, point penalty, Mr.<br />
Adams”; “Code violation, ball abuse, game penalty, Mr. Adams”; “Code<br />
violation, racket abuse, default, Mr. Adams.” Always know what you are<br />
going to say before announcing a violation.<br />
19. Time violations should be announced in accordance with the<br />
following example: “Time violation, warning, Mr. Baker.” Each<br />
subsequent delay: “Time violation, point penalty, Mr. Baker.”<br />
Always know what you are going to say before announcing a<br />
violation.<br />
20. An accepted method of match control is for an official to caution<br />
a player whose behavior is borderline. The official should never<br />
caution a player whose misconduct is clear; the official should issue a<br />
code violation.<br />
21. An official may caution a player on a changeover to avoid a future<br />
time violation. For example, the official may quietly tell a<br />
player: “Watch the 20 seconds,” if the player is getting close to a time<br />
violation between points. The player is now on notice that if the<br />
player is not ready within 20 seconds, the official will issue a time<br />
violation.<br />
22. The following is an example of announcing the out<strong>com</strong>e of a match:<br />
“Game, set, match, Adams; She wins two sets to love: 7-6, 6-2.”<br />
23. In announcing the out<strong>com</strong>e of a match, use the term “default” when a<br />
player fails to appear on time or is guilty of misconduct. For example<br />
“Game, set, match; Jones wins 6-4, 2-4, default.” When a player is<br />
unable to continue a match because of a medical condition, the record<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire) 143
should show the score at the time followed by the word “retired” and a<br />
description of the medical condition. For example, “6-1, 2-4, retired,<br />
cramps.” When a player is unable to continue a match because of a<br />
medical condition, announce the score followed by the term “retired.”<br />
For example, "Mr. Jones is retiring due to an injury (illness). Smith<br />
wins, 6-1, 2-4, retired.”<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-3: Chair Umpire Techniques<br />
1. Promptness in announcing the score at the end of a game is one trait of<br />
a <strong>com</strong>petent Chair Umpire. It gives the players confidence in the official.<br />
Applause plays an important part in the timing of your score calling.<br />
Except for game ending points, you should always try to announce the<br />
score just as the applause is subsiding. An example for game ending<br />
points: “Game Smith,” (pause and let applause begin to subside),<br />
“Jones leads 2-1”. Occasionally, in an exciting match there will be<br />
prolonged applause that continues up to the instant the server is<br />
ready to start the next point. If the players look to you for the score, of<br />
course give it. But even in matches where there is frequent applause<br />
there will be very brief and routine points. You will be able to quickly<br />
announce the new score before the few scattered handclaps start.<br />
That’s one place where variety and promptness are important.<br />
Keep the score and the server in mind to more accurately<br />
announce the score and mark your card at the end of the point.<br />
WARNING: don’t let your scorecard marking be<strong>com</strong>e so extensive that it<br />
keeps you from seeing something important between points.<br />
Remember the two most important things to keep in mind:<br />
a. Look at the point-losing player and<br />
b. Check the receiver as the server is preparing to serve.<br />
2. The Line Umpire’s calls should be so loud and clear that normally no<br />
repetition is necessary. It may be necessary to repeat an occasional call<br />
because of crowd noise or as an affirmation of a close call. In such<br />
cases your <strong>com</strong>ment should be: “The ball was out” (or “good,” as the<br />
case may be). Don’t say: “The Line Umpire called it out,” obviously<br />
disclaiming responsibility for the call.<br />
3. If there is not a Net Umpire you will call lets. Don’t announce let<br />
unless the serve actually is good. You also make the calls for any<br />
uncovered lines. Do so in a clear voice so both players can hear you.<br />
4. Always keep the point score in your head, using your scorecard to<br />
confirm it. Repeating the score silently to yourself is a good habit,<br />
particularly when a controversy is brewing.<br />
5. Where a call of good is overruled, the approved wording is “Out, (give<br />
the correct score).” Where an out call is overruled, the approved<br />
wording is “Correction, the ball was good, replay the point (or give the<br />
correct score).”<br />
6. Be alert to the players on close calls. Judicious use of a hand signal or a<br />
positive nod with eye contact will confirm a call. If verbal confirmation is<br />
required, the phrasing should be: “I saw the ball good (or out)” or “I<br />
agree with the call.” DO NOT SAY “It was not a clear mistake.”<br />
144 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire)
7. Four characteristics mark the delivery of a good Chair Umpire: a<br />
natural sounding but well-projected voice; proper inflection in calling<br />
the score; promptness; and some variety in timing and intensity.<br />
Avoid the monotony of having all your announcements sound alike.<br />
Always know what you are going to say before you open your mouth.<br />
Use a conversational tone of voice and avoid a sing-song delivery.<br />
8. When all the players agree that a line or let call is in error, accept the<br />
players’ version.<br />
9. Do not cross your legs during play.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-4: Solo Chair Umpire Procedures<br />
1. When only a Chair Umpire is available to conduct a match, the<br />
official is called a Solo Chair Umpire. A Solo Chair Umpire will, in<br />
general, have the same duties and authority as the Chair Umpire with<br />
Line Umpires.<br />
2. The responsibilities of the Solo Chair Umpire and the players are<br />
described below. Depending on the sophistication of the players, the<br />
Solo Chair Umpire should cover some or all of these responsibilities<br />
in a brief pre-match meeting.<br />
a. The Solo Chair Umpire is there to help the players by assuring<br />
that the match is played under the fairest circumstances<br />
possible.<br />
b. The players shall call all lines promptly and loudly. Any doubt<br />
about a line call should be resolved in favor of the opponent.<br />
c. The Solo Chair Umpire overrules clear mistakes. This includes<br />
“good” balls that are called “out.” This includes obviously “out"<br />
balls that are called “good.” It does not include close “out” balls<br />
that are called “good.” If the Solo Chair Umpire overrules an<br />
“out” or “fault” call, then the player who made the call loses the<br />
point.<br />
d. The Solo Chair Umpire makes all other calls including, but not<br />
limited to, foot faults, lets, not-ups, and code violations.<br />
e. The Solo Chair Umpire may explain the ball change policy and<br />
should conclude the meeting by asking if there are any questions.<br />
3. The Referee or the Solo Chair Umpire may modify the above<br />
line-calling procedure with the exception that the overrule shall<br />
continue to be exercised. Two examples are that the Solo Chair<br />
Umpire might call all the lines or the service line only.<br />
4. Sections may authorize Solo Chair Umpires to call all lines in<br />
designated tournaments.<br />
5. In certain professional and ITF tournaments, the Solo Chair Umpire<br />
may be required to call all lines.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-5: Scorecard Marking Procedures<br />
Keep scorecard marking to a minimum. This allows you to spend more time<br />
watching the players and coaches for possible conduct violations. Brief<br />
examples of a modified scorecard are shown. Before going to court <strong>com</strong>plete<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire) 145
Example of Scorecard Marking<br />
Fig. 11<br />
146 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire)
The tiebreak score is reported as 7-6(x) or 6-7(x) with (x) being the number<br />
of points won by the loser. For example, 7-6(4) means the tiebreak score was<br />
7-4, and 6-7(14) means the tiebreak was 14-16.<br />
Fig. 12<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire) 147
CODE VIOL<strong>AT</strong>IONS (POINT PENALTY SCHEDULE)<br />
Step Set Games Points Player Code Description<br />
W<br />
P<br />
G<br />
D<br />
3<br />
3<br />
TIME VIOL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
1-0<br />
1-0<br />
15-15<br />
Ad<br />
Smith<br />
Team / Player(s) Team / Player(s)<br />
Jones Smith<br />
148 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire)<br />
VA<br />
VA<br />
yelled “you stupid idiot”<br />
at baseline umpire<br />
screamed at chair: “you’re<br />
worse than the baseline umpire”<br />
Step Set Games Points Player 20 90 Step Set Games Points Player 20 90<br />
W<br />
P<br />
P<br />
3<br />
3<br />
1-0<br />
1-0<br />
15-40<br />
3rd<br />
deuce<br />
X<br />
X<br />
W<br />
P<br />
P<br />
Fig. 13
as much of the scorecard as possible including the players’ names in<br />
cumulative game columns, first ball change, and ball number.<br />
1. Serves. Aces are shown with A’s, double faults with D’s and missed<br />
first serves with a small dot in mid-line.<br />
2. Code violations. A point penalty for a code violation is shown by a “C”<br />
in the box of the player who was not penalized. (See third<br />
point of second game.) A game penalty is shown by writing<br />
“Game Penalty” on the line of the player who was not penalized (See<br />
second game.) (Fig. 12).<br />
3. Time violations. A warning given for the first time violation is shown by<br />
a “T” in the box of the offender. You should circle the “T”. (See fifth<br />
point of second game.) Subsequent time violations are shown by a “T”<br />
in the box of the player who was not penalized (See eleventh point of<br />
second game.) (Fig. 12).<br />
4. Placement of the server’s initials and names. The placement of<br />
the server’s initials indicates the end of the court (for example the<br />
Chair Umpire’s right or left) from which the service is delivered.<br />
5. Cumulative game score. The cumulative score is shown in the<br />
example with each player’s score written after each game. You may<br />
also write only the score of the winner of each game.<br />
6. Service breaks. An “X” through the game number in the column<br />
captioned “GAME” indicates a service break. (See example in the<br />
third game.)<br />
7. Ball changes. Underline the server’s column and the set score column<br />
to indicate a ball change. The wavy line after the fourth game means<br />
that a ball change should follow game 4. Some Umpires also lightly<br />
shade the set score boxes or use a highlighter.<br />
8. Significant events. You should make notes about significant events<br />
such as an injured player, cramps, toilet breaks, and the precise<br />
nature of a conduct violation. Use the appropriate table on the back<br />
side of the card (Fig. 13).<br />
9. Service order in tiebreak. As soon as you know who serves first in the<br />
set, place the initials of the players in proper order over each box on<br />
the tiebreak section.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-6: Clay Court Ball Mark Inspection Procedures<br />
To the extent applicable, the Ball Mark Inspection Procedures for a Chair<br />
Umpire in Appendix V of the ITF Rules of Tennis, also apply to a Referee,<br />
Deputy Referee, or Roving Umpire. The following additional procedures apply<br />
when one of these officials is called to the court. The official shall find out if the<br />
players agree on which mark is the ball mark.<br />
• If the players agree on the mark but disagree on the reading of the<br />
mark, the official shall decide if the mark is in or out.<br />
• If the players disagree on the mark, the official shall find out from the<br />
players the kind of shot that was played and the direction in which the<br />
ball was hit. If this enables the official to determine which mark is the<br />
ball mark, the official shall decide if this mark is in or out.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire) 149
• If the official is unable to determine which mark is the ball mark, then<br />
the determination of the player at the end with the mark stands. The<br />
official then decides if this mark is in or out.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-7: What happens if the receiver does not play a second<br />
serve because the Line Umpire calls “fault” and immediately corrects the<br />
call? The server is entitled to two serves. But note that if the serve was a<br />
clear ace and that the Line Umpire’s call did not affect the receiver’s ability to<br />
play the ball, then the server wins the point.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-8: The first service is a fault. The server has begun the<br />
service motion for the second service when the Chair Umpire calls “wait,<br />
please” because a ball from another court has rolled onto the court or<br />
because there is some other interference. Is the server entitled to two serves?<br />
Yes. The server was in the service motion, and this delay was caused by<br />
outside interference so the server receives two serves.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-9: In a match with a Chair Umpire, a player’s hat flies<br />
off. What should the Chair Umpire do? The first time a hat flies off, a ball<br />
drops from a pocket, or some other item of clothing (including a towel) falls<br />
off, a let shall be called regardless of whether the item lands in or out of the<br />
court. The Chair Umpire shall caution the player that any subsequent similar<br />
incident shall result in a loss of point for deliberate hindrance.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-10: Player A drives a hard ball to Player B’s baseline. The<br />
Baseline Umpire calls “out,” then reverses the call to “good.” What should the<br />
Chair Umpire do? The Chair Umpire should accept the reversed call and allow the<br />
point to stand as won by Player A if the Chair Umpire is convinced beyond any<br />
doubt that the erroneous call did not affect Player B’s chance to make a play.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-11: On a second service, a Line Umpire calls “fault” and<br />
immediately corrects it. Meanwhile the receiver tries to return the serve but<br />
fails to make a good return. Is the server entitled to two serves? Yes. The<br />
server is entitled to two serves on the ground that, assuming the corrected<br />
call to be the correct one, the server had in fact put the ball in play. Once the<br />
ball is in play and a let is called for any reason, the point must be replayed.<br />
FAC Comment VII.C-12: A serve that has landed in the proper court bounces<br />
and strikes a Line Umpire. The receiver asks that a let be called on the<br />
ground that the receiver was hindered in playing the ball because it struck<br />
the Line Umpire. If the Line Umpire was in proper position (in the chair or<br />
standing near it in the customary position for judging the sideline on a<br />
service), the point stands as played with the server winning the point. If the<br />
Line Umpire had left the assigned position, either in an attempt to avoid being<br />
hit or for any other reason, the Chair Umpire may call a let if the Chair Umpire<br />
feels that the receiver could have played the ball if the Line Umpire had been<br />
properly positioned.<br />
150 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.C. (Chair Umpire)
FAC Comment VII.C-13: Player A hits a fast serve near the far sideline. The Line<br />
Umpire is unable to make a call on it. Player A appeals to the Chair Umpire for a<br />
decision. The Chair Umpire says: “I know it was good, but unless the Line<br />
Umpire calls it, I can’t.” Was the Chair Umpire’s decision correct? No. If the Chair<br />
Umpire knew the ball was good, the Chair Umpire must make the call. If the<br />
Chair Umpire cannot make the call with certainty, the point should be replayed.<br />
D. Roving Umpire<br />
A Roving Umpire is an official who exercises jurisdiction over more than one<br />
court. Duties are similar to those of a Chair Umpire and include, but are not<br />
limited to, the following:<br />
1. Ensuring that assigned courts are ready for play;<br />
2. Enforcing the warm-up time and Point Penalty System;<br />
3. Promptly reporting to the Referee any code violations;<br />
4. Resolving scoring disputes;<br />
5. Overruling line calls and calling foot faults when the Roving Umpire is in<br />
direct observation of the court;<br />
6. Defaulting players for cause; and<br />
7. Controlling spectators.<br />
FAC Comment VII.D-1: Roving Umpire Procedures<br />
The Roving Umpire is a <strong>USTA</strong> certified official, preferably a certified Chair<br />
Umpire, who exercises officiating jurisdiction over the courts assigned.<br />
The Referee or Field Referee shall advise the Roving Umpires of the courts to<br />
which they are assigned, and their responsibilities, the scoring system, ball use,<br />
ball change, warm-up and rest periods, and Point Penalty System. The Referee<br />
or Field Referee, taking into consideration court configuration and the<br />
regulations that apply to the tournament, shall advise the Roving Umpires on<br />
how to call foot faults, overrules, and Point Penalty System violations.<br />
The Roving Umpire shall:<br />
1. Exercise discretion when calling foot faults or dealing with any<br />
infractions so as not to disturb neighboring courts.<br />
2. Install singles sticks when needed and when time permits, measure<br />
the net.<br />
3. Enforce the warm-up time limit by advising the players when they have<br />
two minutes before the start of play.<br />
4. Help resolve scoring disputes by using judgment. First attempt to get<br />
the players to reconstruct the score so that they agree on it. Thereafter,<br />
the following options are listed in order of preference:<br />
• Counting all points and games agreed on by the players, with<br />
only the disputed points or games being replayed;<br />
• Playing from a score mutually agreeable to the players; and<br />
• Deciding the score by a coin toss.<br />
5. Control spectators.<br />
6. Enforce the Point Penalty System (code and time violations).<br />
7. Overrule a player’s line call only when in direct observation of that one<br />
court. When a Roving Umpire overrules a player’s out call, that player<br />
loses the point. The Roving Umpire may not overrule as a result of a<br />
player appeal.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.D. (Roving Umpire) 151
8. Avoid staying on one court and officiate all courts uniformly.<br />
9. Be highly visible, but not spy on the players.<br />
10. Help resolve on-court disputes according to The Code.<br />
11. Allow any player to call a let.<br />
FAC Comment VII.D-2: The receiver’s cell phone rings just as the server<br />
tosses the ball. The receiver makes no attempt to return the ball and instead<br />
answers the phone and does not resume playing for about one minute. A<br />
Roving Umpire discovers the situation. What should the official do? The<br />
server wins the point because the ringing cell phone does not entitle the<br />
receiver to get unready. The official shall also penalize the receiver with at<br />
least one penalty under the Point Penalty System for delay. If the official can<br />
determine with certainty that the delay was more than 40 seconds, the<br />
official shall assess two penalties.<br />
FAC Comment VII.D-3: It is improper for an official to warn a player that the<br />
player is in danger of footfaulting.<br />
FAC Comment VII.D-4: A Roving Umpire should never overrule an extremely<br />
close ball. Players are playing under The Code and are expected to give their<br />
opponents the benefit of the doubt. Therefore, a Roving Umpire should be<br />
reluctant to call a ball out that has been played as good. The overrule of an out<br />
ball that has been played as good may be made only when a Roving Official is<br />
stationed on court.<br />
E. Net Umpire<br />
1. Calls “net” on lets. The Net Umpire makes a call of “net,” followed by a<br />
hand signal, any time a served ball touches the net in passing it.<br />
2. Makes calls delegated under <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation VII.C.17. The Net Umpire<br />
calls, if asked to do so by the Chair Umpire, any violations set forth in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation VII.C.17.<br />
3. Ball change. The Net Umpire sees that balls are changed at the proper<br />
times and checks each new ball for suitability.<br />
4. Checks net. The Net Umpire adjusts the net to the proper height before<br />
play begins, on set breaks, and at such other times as the Chair Umpire<br />
may desire, and makes sure that singles sticks are in place or removed, as<br />
required.<br />
5. Alternate scorecard. The Net Umpire keeps an alternate scorecard as a<br />
check for the Chair Umpire if requested.<br />
FAC Comment VII.E-1: Net Umpire Procedures<br />
1. The Net Umpire’s primary duty is to call “nets.” The Net Umpire sees<br />
that balls are changed at the proper times. The Chair Umpire may<br />
assign other duties such as setting up the court and calling throughs.<br />
The Net Umpire should sit <strong>com</strong>fortably, feet slightly apart but not<br />
protruding into the court. The Net Umpire should place a hand along<br />
the side of the net band and ahead of the net post (or singles stick) and<br />
152 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.E. (Net Umpire)
sight along the top of the band. The hand away from the net should be<br />
used to touch the net. The hand should be raised and a verbal “net” call<br />
made to indicate a “net.” The hand should be removed from the net<br />
once the ball is in play. Eyes and ears are by far the key elements in<br />
detecting nets.<br />
2. Net Adjustment: Stand on the side opposite the buckle of the strap, so<br />
if you have to change the height you can depress the net with your<br />
body as you lean over it. This relieves any strain on the strap while<br />
you change the setting.<br />
F. Line Umpire<br />
1. Calls line. The Line Umpire calls all shots relating to the assigned lines.<br />
2. Unsighted signal. The Line Umpire promptly indicates to the Chair Umpire<br />
by an unsighted signal when the official is unable to make a call.<br />
3. Corrections. When a Line Umpire calls a ball out in error, the Line Umpire<br />
shall immediately make a correction. If a ball that was out was not called<br />
out immediately, the Line Umpire shall remain silent.<br />
4. Foot faults. When assigned to a baseline, a sideline, or a centerline, the<br />
Line Umpire calls foot faults that pertain to a player’s touching the line<br />
or the imaginary extension thereof. The Line Umpire should answer<br />
when a player asks what occasioned a call of foot fault.<br />
5. Code violations. The Line Umpire shall report to the Chair Umpire any<br />
code violations that the Line Umpire saw or heard that were not heard or<br />
seen by the Chair Umpire.<br />
FAC Comment VII.F-1: Line Umpire Procedures<br />
1. A Line Umpire’s only calls are: “out,” “fault,” “foot fault,”<br />
“correction,” “safe,” and “unsighted.” “Safe” and “unsighted” are<br />
indicated by visual signals only. “Fault” is used only with respect to a<br />
serve that is out. “Correction” is used to indicate immediately that an<br />
erroneous call has been made. Not making any call on a ball is<br />
tantamount to calling it good.<br />
2. Visual signals for “out” and “fault” follow the oral calls and are made<br />
by extending the arm with the palm of the hand held vertically,<br />
fingers together, shoulder high, in the direction in which the ball is<br />
out. If the Line Umpire and the Chair Umpire are located on the same<br />
side of the court, the Line Umpire’s hand should be extended forward<br />
(not to the side) to facilitate the Chair Umpire seeing the signal. A<br />
“foot fault” is signaled by raising either arm to the vertical position. A<br />
“correction” is signaled by raising either arm to the vertical position<br />
followed by the corrected signal. A call of good or “safe” is signaled<br />
by holding both hands together, backs of hands to chair,<br />
approximately knee high in front of the body; the Line Umpire’s<br />
hands should be tilted in the direction of the Chair Umpire when both<br />
officials are located on the same side of the court. “Unsighted” is<br />
signaled by placing the back of the hands to the Chair in a vertical<br />
position just below the eyes.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.F. (Line Umpire) 153
3. Make “out,” “fault,” “foot fault,” and “correction” calls loudly and<br />
crisply followed by the proper hand signal. This is particularly<br />
important on balls that are hit at a high rate of speed or land near the<br />
line. A “safe” signal is used to reassure the Chair Umpire of a call when<br />
the ball has hit on, or within approximately 18 inches inside of a line.<br />
An “unsighted” call is used to tell the Chair Umpire that the Line<br />
Umpire was unable to see a shot.<br />
4. To be valid, a Line Umpire’s out call on A’s shot to B’s court that B plays<br />
must be made before B’s shot has either gone out of play or has been hit<br />
by A.<br />
5. The Line Umpire should give the server the benefit of any doubt in<br />
calling a foot fault. Do not make any call until the ball has touched the<br />
racket of the server.<br />
6. If play continues after a fault, foot fault, or out call, the Line Umpire<br />
should immediately repeat the call. If the score that the Chair Umpire<br />
announces varies from the Line Umpire's call or if the Chair Umpire is<br />
making a procedural error such as allowing the wrong player to serve,<br />
the Line Umpire shall immediately bring this to the attention of the<br />
Chair Umpire.<br />
7. A Line Umpire who observes a code violation not seen or heard by the<br />
Chair Umpire shall report this to the Chair Umpire without interrupting a<br />
point. This should be done before the start of the next point.<br />
8. With the exception of shoes and socks, white is a prohibited color for<br />
the clothing of a Line Umpire.<br />
9. A Line Umpire is accountable to the Chair Umpire only.<br />
10. A Line Umpire who has been overruled should accept the overrule<br />
without <strong>com</strong>ment. Any query from a player concerning a line call should<br />
be referred to the Chair Umpire.<br />
11. A Line Umpire shall not call a “touch,” “not-up,” “carry,”<br />
“double-hit,” “through,” “invasion,” or “foul shot.”<br />
12. When a Line Umpire’s relief does not appear on schedule, the Line<br />
Umpire shall continue working until the relief arrives.<br />
FAC Comment VII.F-2: Line Umpire Techniques<br />
1. Any hand signal should be given with a fully extended arm and should<br />
be held momentarily to give the Chair Umpire the opportunity to<br />
observe the signal. A ball should never be called out until it has<br />
touched the ground or a permanent fixture.<br />
2. All Line Techniques (Except Service). Look to where the action is;<br />
as the ball passes the net and you have the possibility of a call,<br />
turn your eyes and head to the line in the area where the ball is going<br />
to land, thereby giving yourself the best chance to make the correct<br />
call. Focus directly on the line.<br />
Baseline. Chair angled properly, maximum angle not farther than the<br />
intersection of the service line and the far side line. Body positioned<br />
so that head is directly on the line. Sit forward to look alert. Watch for<br />
foot faults.<br />
Long Lines. Assume “ready position” as server prepares to toss<br />
154 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.F. (Line Umpire)
all. Maintain ready position throughout point. The ready<br />
position should not be rigid or un<strong>com</strong>fortable. Calls and signals are<br />
made from the ready position. Assume “at ease” position at point’s<br />
end. When calling the serve from behind the receiver, select the best<br />
position from which to make the call. The following are acceptable:<br />
a. On the line, crouched low;<br />
b. Inside the line in a normal ready position; and<br />
c. Outside the line in a normal ready position.<br />
Choose the option most <strong>com</strong>fortable for you which allows you to<br />
make the most accurate call. After the serve, move quickly<br />
into position to call the long line during play. The center service Line<br />
Umpire goes to “at ease” position just after the serve hits the court<br />
unless this Umpire makes a call.<br />
Service Line. Chair is straight on the line. Do not angle the chair.<br />
Lean forward to get best angle and view of server preparing to serve.<br />
When server is ready to toss ball, turn your head and focus your eyes<br />
directly on the near quarter of the line being served to. Lean forward if<br />
this will enable you to call the line with accuracy. If you still have a<br />
problem with served balls slipping under your vision, focus closer to<br />
you. Focus directly on the line.<br />
3. A Line Umpire should sell calls with decisiveness, a crisp tone of<br />
voice, and a prompt hand signal following the voice. The Line<br />
Umpire should make some intelligent differentiation in the relative<br />
volume and urgency of calls. Obviously, it is not necessary for a<br />
service Line Umpire to shout “fault” loudly on a serve that hits the top<br />
of the net and lands 10 feet beyond the service line. This is not to<br />
encourage anyone to be overly casual or tardy in making calls.<br />
4. In doubles, the Line Umpire calling the side line also calls the side<br />
service line. In making these calls, a Line Umpire should be in a<br />
position with an unobstructed view.<br />
5. A Line Umpire who is in a player’s way should make a definite effort<br />
to avoid the player while maintaining his or her position.<br />
6. A Line Umpire should not assume the role of a ballperson. However<br />
this does not preclude handing a ball within easy reach to a player or<br />
a ballperson or catching a towel thrown by a player and handing it to<br />
a ballperson.<br />
7. A Line Umpire’s biggest problem is to maintain concentration and<br />
alertness. When seated, a Line Umpire should never relax <strong>com</strong>pletely<br />
or cross the legs during play. A Line Umpire should avoid distractions<br />
such as conversing with a spectator.<br />
8. Line Umpires should warm-up their eyes before going on court or<br />
during the warm-up.<br />
FAC Comment VII.F-3: Clay Court Ball Inspection Procedures<br />
Line Umpires are not responsible for inspecting ball marks, but the Chair<br />
Umpire may ask for help in locating a mark. If a Line Umpire thinks that the<br />
Chair Umpire may need help in locating a mark, the Line Umpire should keep<br />
the Umpire’s eyes on the ball mark instead of giving immediate eye contact to<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.F. (Line Umpire) 155
the Chair Umpire. If a Line Umpire is working on a short crew, the Line<br />
Umpire should stay in position until the Umpire is sure that the mark does<br />
not have to be checked.<br />
Do not get into a discussion with the player about the mark.<br />
FAC Comment VII.F-4: On the second service, the server has tossed the ball in<br />
the air and is about to strike it when the Line Umpire calls “foot<br />
fault,” whereupon the server catches the ball instead of striking it. What<br />
should the Line Umpire do? The Line Umpire should call “correction” (as there<br />
could be no fault since the ball was not struck, or struck at). The Chair<br />
Umpire should then inform the player that, as a result of an interrupted serve,<br />
the server has two serves to <strong>com</strong>e.<br />
G. Considerations for All Officials<br />
1. Aiding a player. No official, unless the official is a qualified medical<br />
person or athletic trainer, shall aid a player who is suffering from a<br />
medical condition. An official should manage a medical condition<br />
consistent with the <strong>USTA</strong> Emergency Care Guidelines. Nonetheless,<br />
any official may provide supplies.<br />
FAC Comment VII.G-1: An official needs to maintain impartiality. When no<br />
other person is available, it is appropriate for the official to manage care<br />
pursuant to the <strong>USTA</strong> Emergency Care Guidelines. See Part 4.<br />
2. Applauding prohibited. No official shall applaud a player.<br />
3. Infractions observed in non-Umpired matches. In non-Umpired<br />
matches, the officials may take appropriate action with respect to any<br />
infraction of the rules or regulations they observe.<br />
4. Enforcing instructions as to who enters playing area. The official in charge<br />
of the match shall enforce the Referee’s instructions as to who may enter<br />
the playing area, and in the absence of instructions shall determine who<br />
may enter the playing area.<br />
5. Betting. No official or member of the Tournament Committee shall bet on<br />
any match in the tournament. If an infraction occurs, the Tournament<br />
Committee shall immediately remove the offender from any further<br />
connection with the tournament.<br />
FAC Comment VII.G-2: Court Monitors<br />
Court Monitors are not certified officials. They assume limited duties to help<br />
ensure fair and sportsmanlike play at sites lacking a sufficient number of<br />
certified officials. The Referee or Field Referee shall advise the Court Monitors<br />
of the courts to which they are assigned and their responsibilities, which<br />
include:<br />
1. Maintain control over assigned courts;<br />
2. Measure the net at the beginning of the first match and at other<br />
appropriate times;<br />
3. Time warm-ups and, when possible, announce “two minutes” at two<br />
minutes before the end of the warm-up, and announce “time” when<br />
play is to begin;<br />
156 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.G. (Considerations for All Officials)
4. Call foot faults, remembering that there is never a warning;<br />
5. Stop play when the monitor observes a code violation and seek<br />
assistance from the Referee or other official;<br />
6. Settle scoring disputes on a limited basis;<br />
7. Overrule clear mistakes if authorized to do so by the Referee;<br />
8. Time rest periods;<br />
9. Record scores of matches if requested;<br />
10. Inform the desk of open courts and of the progress of matches in<br />
play;<br />
11. Send for a certified official if there is a question of rule interpretation;<br />
12. Call the score if assigned to only one court.<br />
H. Officials Council<br />
The Officials Council operates on the District, Sectional, and National levels<br />
for the purpose of teaching, developing, evaluating, and certifying officials.<br />
Any individual <strong>USTA</strong> member who <strong>com</strong>plies with the certification<br />
requirements of this regulation be<strong>com</strong>es a member of the Officials Council.<br />
I. <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee shall administer and supervise the Officials<br />
Council. The Committee shall assure that an adequate number of approved<br />
schools are held each year. It shall also prepare the annual certification<br />
application and test for each category of officials. It shall be responsible for<br />
developing officiating techniques and procedures and for evaluating officials.<br />
J. Sectional and District Officials Committees<br />
Each Sectional and District Association shall designate an officials<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee with a chairperson and a vice chairperson. These <strong>com</strong>mittees<br />
shall assist the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee with the administration of the<br />
Officials Council. The Sectional and District <strong>com</strong>mittees may establish their<br />
own requirements for non-members of the Officials Council; that is, officials<br />
from outside the covered geographic area or honorary members.<br />
K. Definitions for Certification<br />
1. Certified Officials: Provisional Umpire, Associate Official, Sectional<br />
Umpire, Sectional Chair Umpire, Sectional Referee, <strong>USTA</strong> Roving<br />
Umpire, <strong>USTA</strong> Line Umpire, <strong>USTA</strong> Chair Umpire, <strong>USTA</strong> Referee, <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Chief Umpire, National Line Umpire, National Chair Umpire, National<br />
Referee, National Chief Umpire, Professional Line Umpire, Professional<br />
Chair Umpire, Professional Referee, Professional Chief Umpire, and<br />
Intercollegiate Official.<br />
2. Year: The calendar year.<br />
3. National Chairperson of Officials: The Chairperson of the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials<br />
Committee appointed by the <strong>USTA</strong> President.<br />
4. Evaluation: The rating of an official’s performance by a trained <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Trainer-Evaluator.<br />
5. Satisfactory evaluation: A satisfactory evaluation is an evaluation which<br />
evidences acceptable performance at the certification level for which the<br />
official is applying.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.K. (Definitions for Certification) 157
FAC Comment VII.K-1: The purpose of the Training-Evaluation Program is to<br />
improve the standards of officiating by achieving consistency in procedures<br />
and general conduct of officials. This concentration on technique is intended to<br />
improve accuracy which dictates on-court performance. The Training-<br />
Evaluation Program also assists in the classification of officials for certification<br />
purposes and in selection for succeeding rounds of a tournament. National<br />
and Sectional Trainer-Evaluators are selected to perform evaluations and a<br />
certain amount of training is required for their selection. National<br />
Trainer-Evaluators are a very small cadre of officials who are sent to selected<br />
tournaments to instruct and evaluate officials in the proper and current<br />
methods of officiating. All Sectional Associations should have Sectional<br />
Trainer-Evaluators in their area who have fulfilled the training requirements.<br />
6. National evaluation: An evaluation by a National Trainer-Evaluator who is<br />
approved by the National Chairperson of Officials.<br />
7. Sectional evaluation: An evaluation by a Sectional Trainer-Evaluator who<br />
is approved by the Sectional Chairperson of Officials and the National<br />
Chairperson of Officials.<br />
8. Tournaments: <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned or approved tournaments, ITF, <strong>AT</strong>P,<br />
WTA, intercollegiate tournaments, high school tournaments, and<br />
generally recognized foreign tournaments. Tournaments with more than<br />
one event and tournaments with a qualifying, main draw, or consolation<br />
count only as one tournament for certification purposes. The same<br />
tournament may not be used to meet the requirements for being certified<br />
as a Chief Umpire and Referee. A collegiate dual match may not be used<br />
as a tournament for the purpose of certification as a Referee.<br />
9. On-court officials: Certified officials excluding Referees and Chief<br />
Umpires.<br />
10. Friend at Court (FAC): The <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Handbook.<br />
L. Certification<br />
Certification is from January 1 to December 31. Tests and dates of schools shall<br />
be available through the District, Sectional, and National Chairpersons of<br />
Officials.<br />
M. General Certification Requirements<br />
1. Vision. Each year, each on-court official shall attest to having vision of<br />
20/20, either corrected or uncorrected. Every even year, each on-court<br />
official (excluding Provisional Umpires) shall submit to the <strong>USTA</strong> a<br />
physician’s or an optometrist’s statement attesting that the official has<br />
20/20 vision, either corrected or uncorrected.<br />
2. Tests. Each certified official shall pass the written test for each category<br />
in which the official is certified.<br />
3. Schools. Each certified official shall successfully <strong>com</strong>plete an approved<br />
school for each certification category. The National Chairperson of<br />
Officials has the right to approve all training schools. The Sectional<br />
Chairperson may approve schools as delegated by the National<br />
Chairperson. The <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee determines the school<br />
requirements for each category, and the National Chairperson of<br />
Officials shall approve all instructors.<br />
158 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.L. (Certification)
4. Number of tournaments. Every year an official shall meet the<br />
certification requirements by serving in the preceding year in, at<br />
minimum, the specified number of tournaments, matches, or days.<br />
5. <strong>USTA</strong> membership and certification. Each certified official shall be a <strong>USTA</strong><br />
member. Field Referees, Roving Officials, Sectional Trainer-Evaluators<br />
and National Trainer-Evaluators shall be certified officials.<br />
6. Work record. Each official shall submit the official’s work record to the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> on a continuous basis. The Sectional Chairperson shall approve<br />
or disapprove certification based on the work record and also shall<br />
obtain the approval or disapproval of certification by the official’s District<br />
Chairperson, if there is one. Review of the work records start on<br />
October 15. Certification as a National or Professional Official shall<br />
require the approval of the National Chairperson of Officials.<br />
7. Code of Conduct. All officials shall adhere to the standards in the Officials’<br />
Code of Conduct as set forth in Friend at Court.<br />
N. Specific Certification Requirements<br />
1. Provisional Officials:<br />
a. Provisional Umpire. A Provisional Umpire is exempt from the<br />
school requirement but must pass a written test. A person<br />
be<strong>com</strong>es a Provisional Umpire immediately upon passing the<br />
written test for Provisional Umpires.<br />
i. Advancement to Sectional Official. If later during the same<br />
calendar year the official meets the work requirements for<br />
be<strong>com</strong>ing certified as a Sectional Official, the official may<br />
be<strong>com</strong>e certified as a Sectional Official by passing the<br />
applicable test or tests. The official is excused from meeting<br />
the school requirement only during the first year as a<br />
Provisional Umpire.<br />
ii. Certification in year following advancement to Sectional<br />
Official. If an official advances from Provisional Umpire to a<br />
Sectional Official during the year, the official will not be<br />
re-certified during the next year as a Sectional Official until the<br />
official has passed the applicable test or tests and has<br />
successfully attended an approved school.<br />
b. Provisional Referee. A Provisional Referee shall have attended<br />
the required school or schools conducted by an approved <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Trainer/Evaluator and shall have passed all applicable tests<br />
required of a Referee. A Provisional Referee may serve as a<br />
Referee for tournaments below the Sectional Championship level.<br />
If during the same calendar year the Provisional Referee meets the<br />
work requirements for a Sectional Referee, the Provisional Referee<br />
may then be<strong>com</strong>e certified as a Sectional Referee.<br />
2. Associate Umpire:<br />
a. Shall be certified by a foreign national tennis association<br />
recognized by the International Tennis Federation;<br />
b. Does not have to fulfill the general certification requirements except<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> membership requirement; and<br />
c. Shall pay a yearly fee to offset expenses of mailings.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.N. (Specific Certification Requirements) 159
3. Sectional and <strong>USTA</strong> Officials. Each year Sectional and <strong>USTA</strong> Officials shall<br />
pass the written tests for the categories in which they are certified. Tests<br />
shall apply for certification in the calendar year following the year in<br />
which they are taken. Each year these officials shall successfully<br />
<strong>com</strong>plete a school for the categories in which they are certified. Schools<br />
apply toward certification in the calendar year following the year in which<br />
they are <strong>com</strong>pleted.<br />
a. Sectional Umpire: Shall have officiated for a total of five of the<br />
following:<br />
Line Umpire days;<br />
Chair Umpire matches; or<br />
Roving Umpire days.<br />
Chair Umpire matches used to qualify for this category may not be<br />
used to also qualify for Sectional Chair Umpire.<br />
b. Sectional Chair Umpire: Shall have served as a Chair Umpire in five<br />
matches.<br />
c. Sectional Referee: Shall have served as a Referee or as a Deputy<br />
Referee for an entire tournament.<br />
d. <strong>USTA</strong> Roving Umpire: Shall have satisfied the requirements for a<br />
Sectional Umpire, shall have served as a Roving Umpire for at<br />
least 15 days, and shall have successfully <strong>com</strong>pleted the Referee<br />
school.<br />
e. <strong>USTA</strong> Line Umpire:<br />
i. Shall have officiated as a Line Umpire for 10 days; and<br />
ii. Shall have received satisfactory evaluation(s) as a Line Umpire.<br />
f. <strong>USTA</strong> Chair Umpire:<br />
i. Shall have officiated as a Chair Umpire in ten matches;<br />
ii. Shall have been previously certified as a Sectional Chair<br />
Umpire; and<br />
iii. Shall have received satisfactory evaluation(s) as a Chair<br />
Umpire.<br />
g. <strong>USTA</strong> Referee: Shall have served as a Referee for three entire<br />
tournaments, one of which may have been as a Deputy Referee.<br />
h. <strong>USTA</strong> Chief Umpire: Shall have served as a Chief Umpire for one<br />
tournament.<br />
4. National and Professional Officials. Tests and schools for the National<br />
Officials and Professional Officials shall be required only at the<br />
direction of the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee.<br />
a. National Line Umpire:<br />
i. Shall have officiated as a Line Umpire for 20 days in matches<br />
at <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, Intercollegiate National<br />
Championships, ITF International Championships, or<br />
professional tournaments with prize money of at least<br />
$10,000. At least ten of these days shall have been in <strong>USTA</strong>, ITF,<br />
<strong>AT</strong>P, or WTA tournaments with prize money of at least $50,000;<br />
ii. Shall have been certified as a <strong>USTA</strong> Line Umpire or higher line<br />
category within the previous two years; and<br />
iii. Shall have received satisfactory National evaluations as a Line<br />
Umpire.<br />
160 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.N. (Specific Certification Requirements)
. National Chair Umpire:<br />
i. Shall have officiated in 20 matches as a Chair Umpire at<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, Intercollegiate National<br />
Championships, ITF International Championships, or<br />
professional tournaments with prize money of at least<br />
$10,000.<br />
• No more than eight of these matches may be<br />
Intercollegiate National Championships;<br />
• The remaining matches must be in at least two<br />
tournaments;<br />
ii. Shall have been certified as a <strong>USTA</strong> Chair Umpire or higher<br />
chair category within the previous two years; and<br />
iii. Shall have received satisfactory National evaluations as a<br />
Chair Umpire.<br />
c. National Referee: Shall have served as a Referee in four entire<br />
tournaments, two of which shall have been in <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships, ITF International Championships, Intercollegiate<br />
National Championships, or professional tournaments with prize<br />
money of at least $10,000.<br />
d. National Chief Umpire: Shall have served as a Chief Umpire of two<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, ITF International Championships,<br />
Intercollegiate National Championships, or professional<br />
tournaments with prize money of at least $10,000. One of these<br />
tournaments shall have been a <strong>USTA</strong>, ITF, <strong>AT</strong>P, or WTA tournament<br />
with prize money of at least $50,000.<br />
e. Professional Line Umpire:<br />
i. Shall have officiated as a Line Umpire for 50 days in<br />
professional tournaments with prize money of at least<br />
$50,000. Thirty of these days shall have been in <strong>USTA</strong>, ITF,<br />
<strong>AT</strong>P, or WTA tournaments with prize money of at least<br />
$150,000;<br />
ii. Shall have been certified as a National Line Umpire or higher<br />
line category within the previous two years; and<br />
iii. The National Chairperson of Officials shall consider reports<br />
and evaluations from tournament supervisors and Referees in<br />
certifying these officials.<br />
f. Professional Chair Umpire:<br />
i. Shall have officiated as a Chair Umpire in 40 matches in<br />
professional tournaments with prize money of at least<br />
$50,000. Twenty-five of these matches shall have been in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>, ITF, <strong>AT</strong>P, or WTA tournaments with prize money of at<br />
least $150,000;<br />
ii. Shall have been certified as a National Chair Umpire or higher<br />
Chair Umpire category within the previous two years; and<br />
iii. The National Chairperson of Officials shall consider reports<br />
and evaluations from tournament supervisors and Referees<br />
in certifying these officials.<br />
g. Professional Referee: Shall have served as a Referee in five<br />
tournaments, all of which shall have been <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.N. (Specific Certification Requirements) 161
Championships, ITF International Championships, Intercollegiate<br />
National Championships, or professional tournaments with prize<br />
money of at least $10,000. At least three of these tournaments shall<br />
have been <strong>USTA</strong>, ITF, <strong>AT</strong>P, or WTA tournaments with prize money of<br />
at least $10,000.<br />
5. Professional Chief Umpire: Shall have served as a Chief Umpire of three<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, ITF International Championships,<br />
Intercollegiate National Championships or professional tournaments<br />
with prize money of at least $10,000. One of these tournaments shall<br />
have been a <strong>USTA</strong>, ITF, <strong>AT</strong>P, or WTA tournament with prize money of at<br />
least $150,000.<br />
6. Intercollegiate Official: Shall have officiated for a total of five days, which<br />
may be any <strong>com</strong>bination as a Chair Umpire, Roving Umpire, or Referee<br />
for intercollegiate dual matches or tournaments. (An official who has<br />
successfully <strong>com</strong>pleted an ITA Training School and passed all appropriate<br />
tests may be certified as a Provisional Intercollegiate Official.)<br />
7. Waivers: The National Chairperson of Officials may waive any certification<br />
requirement, except the vision and <strong>USTA</strong> membership requirements.<br />
O. Denial of Certification and Decertification<br />
1. The District, Sectional, or National Chairperson of Officials, for good<br />
cause, may refuse to approve an official’s application or certification<br />
category, even though that official has met the technical certification<br />
requirements.<br />
2. The National Chairperson of Officials may decertify an official for cause.<br />
3. Recertification of a decertified official shall have the approval of the<br />
National Chairperson of Officials.<br />
P. Appeal Procedure<br />
1. An official whose District Chairperson of Officials refuses to approve<br />
the official’s application or certification category may appeal that<br />
decision to the Sectional Chairperson of Officials. If the Sectional<br />
Chairperson of Officials denies the appeal, the official may appeal to the<br />
National Chairperson of Officials. The decision of the National<br />
Chairperson shall be final.<br />
2. An official whose Sectional Chairperson of Officials has refused to<br />
approve the official’s application or certification category may appeal<br />
that decision to the National Chairperson of Officials. The decision of<br />
the National Chairperson shall be final.<br />
3. If the National Chairperson of Officials refuses to approve an official’s<br />
application or certification category that has been previously approved<br />
by the official’s Sectional Chairperson, that official may appeal to the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee. The decision of the Committee shall be final.<br />
4. If an official has been decertified by the National Chairperson of Officials,<br />
the official may appeal to the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee. The decision of<br />
the Committee shall be final.<br />
5. Any appeal shall be in writing and shall be sent by certified mail.<br />
6. Any person submitting a written appeal shall be entitled to prompt written<br />
notification of all decisions. All decisions shall be sent by certified mail.<br />
Q. Honorary Officials<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee, with the approval of an individual’s District and<br />
Sectional Chairmen of Officials, may honor an individual as follows:<br />
162 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.O. (Denial of Certification and Decertification)
1. Life Umpire: An official who has been certified for 20 years, plus all those who<br />
have been designated as “Life Umpire” before March 19, 1982.<br />
2. Umpire Emeritus: An official who through long or special service as a<br />
certified official deserves a special place of recognition.<br />
3. Honorary Umpire: A person who has made a major contribution to areas<br />
related to officiating, even though the person may not have been active as<br />
an on-court official.<br />
R. Records on Officials<br />
1. The <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee shall maintain records for each official,<br />
including the official’s address, certification, and evaluations.<br />
2. Evaluations shall be provided annually to the appropriate Sectional<br />
Chairperson of Officials.<br />
3. Upon request, a District Chairperson, Sectional Chairperson, or<br />
Sectional President shall receive copies of records for the<br />
chairperson’s respective District or Section.<br />
4. An official shall receive a copy of the official’s record yearly.<br />
S. Notification to Members of Officials Council<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Committee shall periodically notify members of the Officials<br />
Council of rules, regulations, changes by the <strong>USTA</strong>, ITF, and ITA in rule<br />
interpretations, and other pertinent information.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VII.S. (Notification to Members of Officials Council) 163
VIII. GENERAL RANKING REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
A. Definition of Ranking Period<br />
Ranking data for all divisions shall be obtained from all designated tournaments<br />
(see <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation VIII.D.1.), and the ranking period for all players shall be<br />
January 1 through December 31 unless the applicable National, Sectional, or<br />
District regulations provide for a different ranking period.<br />
B. <strong>USTA</strong> Membership Required<br />
Only persons enrolled with the <strong>USTA</strong> as an Adult, Junior, Family, Life, or Honorary<br />
member and in good standing on the last day of the ranking period shall be<br />
considered for a ranking.<br />
C. Ranking Systems<br />
1. Head-to-Head Ranking System. The Head-to-Head Ranking System is a<br />
method of ranking players or teams that is based on wins, losses, and<br />
exposure. In this ranking system a strong win record is essential for a high<br />
ranking, and significant wins are required for any ranking. A strong record<br />
is generally preferred over a long record. Exposure is important and should<br />
be measured by the number of good quality opponents that a player plays,<br />
rather than solely by the number of tournaments played. Comparative<br />
scores may be considered only when records are otherwise equal. Under<br />
this system, defaults, withdrawals, walkovers, and retirements are treated<br />
as follows:<br />
a. Defaults before first service, walkovers, and withdrawals. The<br />
following are not considered for ranking purposes:<br />
• A default that occurs before the first service of a match;<br />
• Withdrawals; and<br />
• Walkovers.<br />
b. Defaults during a match. All <strong>com</strong>pleted matches and all matches in<br />
which a player is defaulted during the course of the match are<br />
considered for ranking purposes. Any default is a loss for the player<br />
defaulted and a win for the player who advances.<br />
c. Retirements. A retirement is a loss for the player retiring and a win<br />
for the player advancing.<br />
2. Points Per Round Ranking System. The Points Per Round Ranking System<br />
is a method of ranking players or teams that is based on earning ranking<br />
points for the round that a player or team reached and, in some cases, wins<br />
over highly ranked players or teams.<br />
3. Sectional Association Ranking Systems. Sectional Associations shall<br />
determine which of the two ranking systems, the Head-to-Head Ranking<br />
System or the Points Per Round Ranking System, is used to rank players<br />
or teams at the Sectional level and shall publish its ranking system. A<br />
Sectional Association may also allow its District Associations or<br />
subdivisions to make this decision. In this case, the District Association or<br />
subdivision shall publish its ranking system.<br />
D. Results Considered for Rankings<br />
1. Sectional and District tournaments. All matches from any tournament that<br />
has been sanctioned by the applicable Sectional or District Association shall<br />
be considered for ranking in that Sectional or District Association unless<br />
prohibited by the applicable Sectional or District ranking regulations or <strong>USTA</strong><br />
164 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VIII.A. (Definition of Ranking Period)
Regulation VI.B.3. (QuickStart Tennis formats). Regulations for Sectional<br />
or District Associations may authorize additional tournaments for<br />
consideration for ranking.<br />
The applicable Sectional or District Association or the applicable<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee shall determine in which ranking period the ranking data from<br />
tournaments that begin in one ranking period but are not <strong>com</strong>pleted until<br />
after the beginning of the next ranking period shall be considered.<br />
2. Matches generally may count in only one division. No match may count for<br />
ranking in more than one division, unless the applicable National, Sectional,<br />
or District ranking regulations provide for a match to count in more than<br />
one division.<br />
3. Results from tournaments based on race, creed, color, or national origin not<br />
counted. Results of any tournament from which entrants have been<br />
excluded by reason of race, creed, color, or national origin shall not be<br />
considered for ranking purposes.<br />
4. Exhibitions not counted. Exhibitions shall not be considered for ranking<br />
purposes.<br />
E. Ranking Considerations<br />
1. Ranking based on record. Rankings shall be based solely upon a player’s<br />
results for the ranking period under consideration.<br />
2. Insufficient data. An insufficient data category may be used for those<br />
players or teams with an outstanding record but who do not meet the<br />
minimum ranking requirements of the applicable National, Sectional, or<br />
District ranking regulations.<br />
3. Class A category and numerical groupings. A Class A category or numerical<br />
groupings may be used when considered appropriate by a ranking<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee for giving recognition to players or teams that qualify for a<br />
ranking but did not receive specific numerical rankings, or in the case of a<br />
tie.<br />
4. Ranking lists in Junior Divisions shall show birth date of players. All ranking<br />
lists for the junior age divisions, whether National, Sectional, or District,<br />
shall show the date of birth of each ranked player as officially recorded in<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> membership records.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS VIII.E. (Ranking Considerations) 165
IX. JUNIOR N<strong>AT</strong>IONAL TOURNAMENTS AND N<strong>AT</strong>IONAL RANKING<br />
A. Junior National Tournament Regulations<br />
1. Overview of Junior National Tournament System. Annually the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
shall publish the National Junior Tournament Schedule, which shall<br />
include the following junior tournaments:<br />
a. <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships. The <strong>USTA</strong> shall sanction<br />
the following <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships pursuant to<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII.D.:<br />
i. <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships. Each year the <strong>USTA</strong> shall hold<br />
four groups of <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships for boys and<br />
girls in each age division (18, 16, 14, 12).<br />
FAC Comment IX.A-1: Ordinarily, <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships in each<br />
group in all age divisions are held during the same time period. Occasionally<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships that are grouped together are not held during<br />
the same time period. For example, the <strong>USTA</strong> Spring National<br />
Championships in the Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Divisions are held about three<br />
weeks before the other age divisions.<br />
ii. <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens. Four times each year the <strong>USTA</strong> shall<br />
hold four concurrent <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens for boys and girls<br />
in each age division at different sites. This makes a total of 16<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens in each age division.<br />
iii. <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships. The <strong>USTA</strong> shall sanction and<br />
hold the following additional <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National<br />
Championships:<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ 18 National Team Championships<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Girls’ 18 National Team Championships<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 16 Intersectional Team<br />
Championships<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 16, 14, and 12 Zone Team<br />
Championships<br />
iv. <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic Championships<br />
(East/West). The <strong>USTA</strong> shall sanction and hold the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic Championships<br />
(East/West).<br />
b. <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments. The Junior Competition Committee<br />
in consultation with the <strong>USTA</strong> Player Development Division shall<br />
determine criteria for sanctioning <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments<br />
pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII.D. to be placed on the National<br />
Junior Tournament Schedule.<br />
c. <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments. <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments<br />
are <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned tournaments played under ITF tournament<br />
regulations, but not sanctioned by the ITF. The Junior Competition<br />
Committee in consultation with the <strong>USTA</strong> Player Development<br />
Division shall determine criteria for sanctioning <strong>USTA</strong> International<br />
Tournaments pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII.D. to be placed<br />
on the National Junior Tournament Schedule. These tournaments<br />
are played under ITF tournament regulations.<br />
166 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations)
d. ITF tournaments on National Junior Tournament Schedule. The<br />
Junior Competition Committee in consultation with the <strong>USTA</strong> Player<br />
Development Division shall determine criteria for selecting ITF<br />
tournaments to be placed on the National Junior Tournament<br />
Schedule. These tournaments are played under ITF tournament<br />
regulations.<br />
2. Eligibility for <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships.<br />
a. Players eligible. <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships shall be<br />
open to:<br />
i. U.S. citizens. Citizens of the United States.<br />
ii. Certain aliens.<br />
• Permanent resident aliens. Permanent resident aliens<br />
of the United States.<br />
• Diplomats. Aliens who have resided in the United<br />
States continuously for more than one year and who<br />
are members of families of persons in the diplomatic<br />
or consular corps.<br />
• Aliens with Refugee Status. Aliens who have been<br />
granted Refugee Status.<br />
• Aliens with Asylee Status. Aliens who have been<br />
granted Asylee Status.<br />
• Aliens with Temporary Protected Status. Aliens who have<br />
been granted Temporary Protected Status.<br />
• Aliens with Adjustment Status. Aliens whose I-485<br />
(Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust<br />
Status) has been accepted for filing.<br />
• British Columbians. Canadian citizens and landed<br />
Canadian immigrants who reside in British Columbia.<br />
(These players may be excluded from wild card<br />
selection.)<br />
FAC Comment IX.A-2: Documents <strong>com</strong>monly used to support a particular<br />
alien status include a permanent resident alien card (green card), Form I-94,<br />
and a receipt confirming filing of the I-485.<br />
b. Loss of eligibility. Players (including U.S. citizens) who have made a<br />
declaration of citizenship to a foreign country or who have accepted<br />
endorsement from another federation to an ITF junior or open<br />
tournament shall not be eligible to participate in <strong>USTA</strong> Junior<br />
National Championships, except that:<br />
• Those players from British Columbia listed in <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation IX.A.2.a.; and<br />
• Players from Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Samoa, and<br />
Guam may play in <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships if<br />
they meet the eligibility criteria of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.2.a.<br />
c. Reinstatement of eligibility. A player who has previously qualified to<br />
play in these tournaments and who lost this right by:<br />
• Accepting endorsement from another federation to an ITF<br />
junior or open tournament;<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations) 167
• Playing on a foreign team; or<br />
• No longer being classified by the Department of Homeland<br />
Security as an alien with a status listed in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
IX.A.2.a.<br />
may apply for reinstatement. The Director of Player Development<br />
or the Director’s Designee, the Senior Director for Junior and<br />
Collegiate Competition, the Director of Junior Competition, the<br />
Chairperson of the Junior Competition Committee, and the<br />
Coordinator of Junior Rankings, in consultation with the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
General Counsel, shall rule on the request. The player may appeal<br />
the ruling to the Board.<br />
3. National Standings List. At least monthly, the <strong>USTA</strong> shall publish National<br />
Standings Lists for individual players in each Junior Division. The Junior<br />
Competition Committee shall determine the dates on which the lists are<br />
published and the criteria for inclusion on the lists. Annually it shall<br />
publish the criteria.<br />
4. Seeding criteria and procedure. The Junior Competition Committee<br />
shall determine the seeding criteria and procedure for <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens, <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments,<br />
and the <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic Championships<br />
(East/West). The seeding criteria and procedure, which shall be based<br />
on the standing, ranking, and selection systems, is published in Table<br />
16. The Director of Junior Competition or the Director’s designee shall<br />
seed each tournament after consulting with the Tournament Committee.<br />
5. Match formats for <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens, <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships,<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic Championships (East/West),<br />
and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments. The Junior Competition Committee<br />
shall determine the match formats to be used in <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens,<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic<br />
Championships (East/West), and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments. These<br />
formats shall be published on the <strong>USTA</strong> website and in Table 17. (See<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.9.o. for match formats used in the <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships.) The match formats for <strong>USTA</strong> International<br />
Tournaments and ITF tournaments on the National Junior Tournament<br />
Schedule are controlled by ITF tournament regulations.<br />
6. No-ad scoring prohibited in <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships and<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments. No-ad scoring may not be used in <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Junior National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments even<br />
when there is inclement weather, health concerns, or safety concerns.<br />
The use of no-ad scoring in <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments and ITF<br />
tournaments on the National Junior Tournament Schedule is controlled<br />
by ITF tournament regulations.<br />
7. Shortening <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional<br />
Tournaments. The Director of Junior Competition or the Director’s designee<br />
may authorize the Referee of a <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championship or a<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournament to use a match format not previously<br />
authorized because of:<br />
• Inclement weather;<br />
• Health concerns; or<br />
• Safety concerns.<br />
168 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations)
TABLE 16<br />
Seeding Criteria for <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships (Juniors Only),<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens, <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments, and <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and<br />
Girls’ 18 Intersectional Championships (East/West)<br />
Tournament Committees shall use the criteria in this table to submit their<br />
proposed seeding to the Director of Junior Competition.<br />
A. Number of Seeds in Singles and Doubles Draws<br />
Draw Size Required Number of Seeds<br />
128 or 192 32 seeds: top 16 seeded numerically; next 16 seeded alphabetically<br />
96 or 64 16 seeds: top 8 seeded numerically; next 8 seeded alphabetically<br />
32 8 seeds: all seeded numerically<br />
16 4 seeds: all seeded numerically<br />
8 2 seeds: all seeded numerically<br />
B. Singles Seeding Criteria for <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 and 16 National<br />
Championships<br />
1. Seeding shall be done using the most recently published National Standings List<br />
of the division.<br />
• Players may be moved within major groups (1-4, 5-8, 9-16, 17-32) due to<br />
direct wins if players are separated by less than 100 ranking points.<br />
• Players may be moved between major groups due to direct wins if players<br />
are separated by less than 50 ranking points.<br />
2. Players not previously seeded who are ranked in the:<br />
• top 500 on the most recently published WTA ranking list or top 1000 of<br />
the most recently published <strong>AT</strong>P ranking list,<br />
• top 100 on the most recently published ITF ranking list, and<br />
• top 100 on the most recently published ITA ranking list<br />
shall also be considered for seeding.<br />
C. Singles Seeding Criteria for <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 14 and 12 National<br />
Championships<br />
Seeding shall be done using the most recently published National Standings List<br />
of the division in the order in which players appear on the list.<br />
• Players may be moved within major groups (1-4, 5-8, 9-16, 17-32) due to<br />
direct wins if players are separated by fewer than 100 ranking points.<br />
• Players may be moved between major groups due to direct wins if players<br />
are separated by fewer than 50 ranking points.<br />
D. Singles Seeding Criteria for <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens, <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18<br />
Interscholastic Championships (East/West), and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments<br />
Seeding shall be done using the most recently published National Standings List of<br />
the division in the order in which players appear on the list.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations) 169
D. Singles Seeding Criteria…cont’d.<br />
TABLE 16 (Cont’d)<br />
• Players who are accepted based on their standing in the next younger age<br />
division may be seeded in the last group of seeds (5-8, 9-16, or 17-32, depending<br />
on the draw size) if they are in the top 50 of the most recently published National<br />
Standings List of the next-younger age division.<br />
• Players from the National Standings List of the division may be moved within<br />
major groups (1-4, 5-8, 9-16, 17-32) due to direct wins if players are separated<br />
by fewer than 100 ranking points.<br />
• Players from the National Standings List of the division may be moved between<br />
major groups due to direct wins if players are separated by fewer than 50 ranking<br />
points.<br />
E. Doubles Seeding Criteria<br />
• Seeding shall be done using the most recently published National Standings List<br />
of the division.<br />
• Teams shall be seeded in the order of their <strong>com</strong>bined standings (e.g., Player A<br />
holds the #1 standing and Player B holds the #10 standing. The Team of A&B<br />
would have the <strong>com</strong>bined standing of 11.) Teams that have the same <strong>com</strong>bined<br />
standing shall be seeded in the order of the total number of doubles ranking<br />
points held by each team.<br />
• Tournament Committees of 18-and-under tournaments may consider for seeding<br />
teams with players who have <strong>AT</strong>P/WTA rankings, ITF rankings, or ITA rankings.<br />
• Teams may be moved within major groups (1-4, 5-8, 9-16, 17-32) due to direct<br />
wins if the teams are separated by fewer than 100 ranking points.<br />
• Teams may be moved between major groups due to direct wins if players are<br />
separated by fewer than 50 ranking points.<br />
• Teams not previously seeded who have <strong>com</strong>bined doubles ranking points<br />
higher than the last seeded team may be seeded in the last group (5-8, 9-16, or<br />
17-32).<br />
All matches in each round shall be played with the same format. Note,<br />
however, the shortening of <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments and ITF<br />
tournaments on the National Junior Tournament Schedule is controlled by<br />
ITF tournament regulations.<br />
8. Refund of entry fees. The Tournament Committee shall refund a player’s<br />
entire entry fee if:<br />
• The entry is not accepted;<br />
• The withdrawal is for previously authorized entry into another<br />
tournament; or<br />
• The Tournament Committee has received written verification as set<br />
forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.C.15. no later than the last scheduled<br />
day of the tournament that the withdrawal is for injury, illness, or<br />
personal emergency.<br />
170 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations)
Entry into <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship<br />
Open application with entrants<br />
chosen based on position<br />
on most recent National<br />
Standings Lists 1<br />
4 <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens<br />
Top 3 finishers in each<br />
tournament, if otherwise<br />
eligible, advance to<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championship<br />
Direct entry based on position<br />
on National Championship<br />
Selection List 2<br />
Entry by endorsement from<br />
Sectional Associations<br />
Wild card entry 3<br />
National Standings List 4<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championship<br />
1 Both the list of the division and the list of the next younger division are used.<br />
2 For Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Divisions, players in positions 1 through 40 shall be<br />
accepted into a draw of 192, and players in positions 1 through 32 shall be<br />
accepted into a draw of 128.<br />
For Boys’ and Girls’ 16,14, & 12 Divisions, players in positions 1 through 24 shall<br />
be accepted into a draw of 192, and players in positions 1 through 16 shall be<br />
accepted into a draw of 128.<br />
3 Limits on wild cards: 8 for draws of 192 and 4 for draws of 128.<br />
4 Remaining spots filled with endorsed players on National Standings List.<br />
Fig. 14<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations) 171
In all other cases, a refund is not required. The Tournament Committee shall<br />
not charge any fee (such as processing, service, or handling fee) for<br />
refunding the entry fee.<br />
9. <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships.<br />
a. Entry.<br />
i. Means of entry. Entries and entry fees must be received by<br />
the Tournament Committee by the date stated in the<br />
published entry information.<br />
ii. Multiple entries allowed in <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships.<br />
When entries close, a player may be entered in up to two<br />
age divisions of <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships. The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
selects players for these age divisions in the following<br />
order: 18; 16; 14; and 12. If a player is entered in two age<br />
divisions and is selected into the older division, that player<br />
shall not be eligible for selection into the younger division.<br />
If a player is not selected for the older division, that player<br />
is eligible for selection in the younger division and is<br />
eligible to be an alternate in the younger division but not in<br />
the older division.<br />
iii. Player may play in only one age division. A player may play in<br />
only one age division in each group of <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships. If a player plays in singles and doubles, the<br />
player shall play in the same age division.<br />
b. Eligibility of professionals. Professional players who are age eligible<br />
may enter and play in all <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships.<br />
c. Draw size.<br />
i. In each of the 18, 16, and 14 divisions, two tournaments<br />
shall have a draw of 128 for singles and 64 for doubles and<br />
two tournaments shall have a draw of 192 for singles and 96<br />
for doubles.<br />
ii. 12 divisions. Each tournament shall have a draw size of 128<br />
for singles and 64 for doubles.<br />
d. National Championship Selection List. The <strong>USTA</strong> shall publish<br />
National Championship Selection Lists for singles in each division<br />
with effective dates as of January 15, May 1, and October 1 of each<br />
year. Each list shall consist of players who are eligible for the next<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships as follows:<br />
i. Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Divisions. Players in the Boys’ and Girls’<br />
18 Divisions shall be listed in the following order:<br />
(A) Sixteen players who have played in the singles draw of<br />
at least:<br />
• One National Ranking Tournament (as defined<br />
in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.C.3.) in the List’s<br />
division during the four months before the<br />
effective date of the List; and<br />
• Two other National Ranking Tournaments in<br />
the List’s division during the 12 months before<br />
the effective date of the List.<br />
These players shall be listed in the order of strength of<br />
172 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations)
ecord calculated as of the effective date using the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> <strong>com</strong>puter ranking program.<br />
(B) Players not previously listed who have an <strong>AT</strong>P singles<br />
ranking of 1000 or better or who have a WTA singles<br />
ranking of 600 or better as of the effective date, which<br />
players shall be listed in the order of their ranking; and<br />
(C) Players not previously listed who have an ITF ranking of<br />
100 or better as of the effective date, which players shall<br />
be listed in the order of their ranking.<br />
ii. Boys’ and Girls’ 16, 14, and 12 Divisions. Players who have<br />
played in the singles draw of at least:<br />
• One National Ranking Tournament (as defined in <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation IX.C.3.) in the List’s division during the<br />
four months before the effective date of the List; and<br />
• Two other National Ranking Tournaments in the List’s<br />
division during the 12 months before the effective date<br />
of the List.<br />
These players shall be listed in the order of strength of<br />
record calculated as of the effective date using the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
<strong>com</strong>puter ranking program.<br />
FAC Comment IX.A-3: The May 1 National Championship Selection List is<br />
used for both the <strong>USTA</strong> National Clay Court Championships and The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
National Championships, except that shortly after selection for the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
National Clay Court Championships is done, the list is republished and any<br />
player who is not age eligible for The <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships is<br />
removed and replaced with the next-highest eligible player.<br />
e. Selection process for singles. Each Tournament Committee shall<br />
accept players who have submitted timely entries and successful<br />
wild card applicants into the singles draw in the following order:<br />
i. Players on National Championship Selection List.<br />
• Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Divisions. For a draw of 192, players<br />
on the List in positions 1 through 40 shall be accepted;<br />
and for a draw of 128, players on the List in positions 1<br />
through 32 shall be accepted; or<br />
• Boys’ and Girls’ 16, 14, and 12 Divisions. For a draw of<br />
192, players on the List in positions 1 through 24 shall<br />
be accepted; and for a draw of 128, players on the List in<br />
positions 1 through 16 shall be accepted.<br />
ii. Players who qualified from a <strong>USTA</strong> National Open. Players<br />
not previously selected who are among the top three<br />
singles finishers in each of the four immediately preceding<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens shall be accepted, if otherwise eligible.<br />
A player who has been defaulted for any reason from the<br />
player’s final scheduled singles match shall not be eligible.<br />
A player whose doubles team has been defaulted for any<br />
reason in the player’s final scheduled doubles match shall<br />
not be eligible if, in the judgment of the Referee, the<br />
conduct of that player contributed to the default.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations) 173
iii. Players within Sectional Associations’ quotas. Players not<br />
previously selected who are on the Sectional Endorsement<br />
Lists and within the quota established by <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
IX.A.9.f. shall be accepted in order as determined by their<br />
Sectional Endorsers. A Sectional Association’s quota is never<br />
reduced because of players selected into the draw by any<br />
other method under <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.9.e.<br />
FAC Comment IX.A-4: The number of players that a Sectional Association<br />
receives into a draw may be reduced. For example, if a player within the quota<br />
withdraws after the draw has been made, the player is replaced by the highest<br />
listed player on the Alternate List. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.9.e.ix.<br />
iv. Endorsed players on National Standings List. The<br />
Tournament Committee shall fill the remaining spots in the<br />
draw, except for those spots reserved for wild card<br />
recipients, with endorsed players remaining on the most<br />
recently published National Standings List in the order in<br />
which their names appear.<br />
v. Wild cards. As soon as practicable after the deadline for<br />
accepting wild card applications, the Wild Card Committee<br />
shall award no more than eight wild cards in a draw of 192<br />
and no more than four wild cards in a draw of 128.<br />
vi. Additional players on National Standings List. If the Wild<br />
Card Committee awards less than the maximum number of<br />
wild cards, the Tournament Committee shall fill the<br />
remaining spots in the draw with endorsed players<br />
remaining on the National Standings List used to accept<br />
players into the draw pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
IX.A.9.e.iv.<br />
vii. Alternates. The Tournament Committee shall prepare an<br />
alternate list of those players not accepted into the draw who<br />
<strong>com</strong>e from two sources:<br />
• The Sectional Endorsement Lists<br />
• The doubles finalists in each of the four immediately<br />
preceding <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens.<br />
The Tournament Committee shall publish on the website the<br />
list of alternates in the order in which their names appear on<br />
the National Standings List used to accept players into the<br />
draw pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.9.e.iv.<br />
FAC Comment IX.A-5: A late entrant who appears on the National<br />
Championship Selection List or a Sectional Endorsement List, or who qualified<br />
from a <strong>USTA</strong> National Open, may be placed on the alternate list after timely<br />
entries in an order determined by lot. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.H.4.<br />
viii. Replacement of player before draw has been made. The<br />
Tournament Committee shall replace a player who withdraws<br />
174 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations)
or is otherwise removed from the draw before it has been<br />
made as follows:<br />
• Player within Sectional Association quota. The<br />
Tournament Committee shall replace a player who was<br />
accepted as part of a Sectional Association’s quota with<br />
the next player on the Sectional Endorsement List from<br />
that player’s Sectional Association.<br />
• Player not within Sectional Association quota. The<br />
Tournament Committee shall replace a player who was<br />
accepted into the draw but not as part of a Sectional<br />
Association’s quota with the highest remaining<br />
alternate.<br />
ix. Replacement of player after draw has been made but before<br />
<strong>com</strong>pletion of first round. The Tournament Committee shall<br />
replace a player who withdraws, is defaulted, or is otherwise<br />
removed from the draw after the draw has been made but<br />
before the <strong>com</strong>pletion of the first round with the highest<br />
listed remaining alternate.<br />
f. Sectional Associations’ quotas. Each Sectional Association shall<br />
be entitled to a quota of accepted players based on the ratio that<br />
the Sectional Association’s junior membership enrollment bears<br />
to the total <strong>USTA</strong> junior membership enrollment. The <strong>USTA</strong> shall<br />
calculate the quota by multiplying this ratio by:<br />
• 100 for a draw of 192; or<br />
• 60 for a draw of 128.<br />
After filling the minimum quotas (see below), fractional values<br />
obtained from the above <strong>com</strong>putation shall be rounded up in<br />
decreasing order until the tournament quota is filled. Enrollment<br />
shall be based on the aggregate totals in each Sectional<br />
Association and the <strong>USTA</strong> as of December 31 of the preceding year.<br />
i. Maximum quotas. No Sectional Association shall have more<br />
than 16 quota entries in a draw of 128. There are no<br />
maximum quotas in draws of 192.<br />
ii. Minimum quotas. Each Sectional Association shall have a<br />
quota of no less than two entries.<br />
g. Sectional Associations’ endorsement procedures.<br />
i. Sectional Endorsers. Each Sectional Association shall<br />
designate Sectional Endorsers who shall be familiar with the<br />
playing records of the junior players within their Sectional<br />
Associations.<br />
ii. Sectional Endorsement List. Sectional Endorsers shall<br />
provide each Tournament Committee with a Sectional<br />
Endorsement List of the best-qualified, eligible players who<br />
are available, reside within the Section, and are<br />
re<strong>com</strong>mended by the Sectional Association. The Sectional<br />
Endorsement List shall rank the players in the order in which<br />
the Sectional Association believes their records place them.<br />
Sectional Endorsers may change the order of the endorsed<br />
players at any time before the entry deadline.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations) 175
iii. Doubles-only endorsements. Each Sectional Endorser may<br />
provide each Tournament Committee with a list of doubles<br />
players or teams that are endorsed solely to play in the<br />
doubles draw. The list shall rank the players or teams in the<br />
order in which the Sectional Association believes their<br />
records place them. Sectional Endorsers may change the<br />
order of the endorsed players or teams before the entry<br />
deadline.<br />
iv. Playing up. Sectional Associations shall allow a player to<br />
<strong>com</strong>pete and be endorsed in any age division for which the<br />
player satisfies the age eligibility requirement.<br />
FAC Comment IX.A-6: The residence of all players is based on domicile.<br />
h. Wild cards.<br />
i. Eligibility for wild cards. Each wild card applicant must be in<br />
good standing with the applicant’s Sectional Association and<br />
submit a timely wild card application. A player may be in good<br />
standing without being endorsed.<br />
ii. Application. Players may obtain wild card applications from<br />
their Sectional Associations and shall submit the<br />
applications and supporting documents to the Director of<br />
Junior Competition. The Director must receive the player’s<br />
application and supporting documents no later than five<br />
days after the entry deadline for the <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championship.<br />
iii. Wild Card Committee. The Wild Card Committee shall be<br />
<strong>com</strong>prised of the Coordinator of Junior Rankings, the<br />
Chairperson of the Junior Competition Committee, the<br />
Director of Junior Competition, the Director of Player<br />
Development or the Director’s designee, and the<br />
Tournament Director of the applicable <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championship. The Wild Card Committee shall consult with<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Player Development staff and the player’s Sectional<br />
Association before granting a wild card.<br />
iv. Criteria. Applications for wild cards may be considered in<br />
extreme cases where extenuating circumstances have made<br />
the normal procedure of qualification and endorsement<br />
impossible. Wild cards also may be granted based on the<br />
re<strong>com</strong>mendation of the <strong>USTA</strong> National Coaching Staff that a<br />
player has demonstrated significant potential at the National<br />
and International level.<br />
i. Players eligible for doubles. All players selected for singles shall be<br />
eligible to enter the doubles.<br />
Players who reach the doubles finals and are finishers in a <strong>USTA</strong><br />
National Open shall qualify for play in doubles in the next <strong>USTA</strong><br />
National Championship, provided they remain otherwise eligible<br />
and have submitted timely entries. Players are not required to play<br />
with the same partner. A player who has been defaulted for any<br />
176 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations)
eason from the player’s final scheduled match in singles shall not<br />
be eligible. A player whose doubles team has been defaulted for<br />
any reason in the player’s final scheduled doubles match shall not<br />
be eligible if, in the judgment of the Referee, the conduct of that<br />
player contributed to the default.<br />
Vacancies in the doubles draw may be filled by the Tournament<br />
Committee with alternates and players or teams receiving doubles-only<br />
endorsements pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.9.g.iii.<br />
j. Singles draw formats. In singles each tournament shall run either:<br />
i. A <strong>com</strong>pass draw with a playoff for third place; or<br />
ii. A draw with a Feed-in Championship and a playoff for third<br />
place.<br />
The Junior Competition Committee shall specify which of the two<br />
formats is used. If a draw with a Feed-in Championship is used, the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Player Development Division and Junior Competition<br />
Committee shall specify the round through which the losing players<br />
are fed into the Feed-in Championship and any additional playoff<br />
matches required. Each player shall play all matches unless the<br />
failure to do so is attributable to illness, injury, personal emergency,<br />
or adult decision.<br />
FAC Comment IX.A-7: When a Feed-in Championship is used, the standard bye<br />
placement method described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.d.i. shall be used.<br />
k. Doubles draw format. In doubles each tournament shall run a<br />
single elimination draw with a playoff for third place, except that<br />
the Junior Competition Committee may authorize a consolation<br />
draw at the request of the Tournament Committee. Each player<br />
shall play all matches, unless the failure to do so is attributable to<br />
illness, injury, or personal emergency.<br />
l. Separating players from the same Sectional Association. The<br />
singles draw shall avoid the presence in the same quarter of more<br />
than one of the four players with the highest standing from the<br />
same Sectional Association who are in the tournament, which<br />
standing shall be determined using the most recently published<br />
National Standings List. This regulation does not apply to wild card<br />
entries.<br />
m. Time when draws made. The draws shall not be made more than<br />
seven days before the start of the tournament.<br />
n. Remaking draws. If play has not begun, a draw may be remade:<br />
• If any one of the top four seeds withdraws; or<br />
• If two or more seeds withdraw.<br />
o. Match formats. All main draw singles matches, third place singles<br />
playoffs, and main draw matches in <strong>com</strong>pass draws shall be the<br />
best of three tiebreak sets, except that the final round of singles in<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ 18 National Championships may be the best of<br />
five tiebreak sets. The 7-Point Tiebreak shall be used in all tiebreak<br />
sets of these matches. The Junior Competition Committee shall<br />
determine the match formats for all other matches and shall<br />
publish them on the <strong>USTA</strong> website and in Table 17.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations) 177
The chart shows the match formats that<br />
will be used at tournaments on the National<br />
Junior Tournament Schedule. A Referee<br />
must get the authorization of the<br />
Director of Junior Competition<br />
to use other formats to <strong>com</strong>plete a<br />
tournament.<br />
Main Draw<br />
Singles Formats1 Consolation<br />
Singles Formats<br />
Doubles Formats<br />
TABLE 17<br />
Match Formats for <strong>2010</strong> Tournaments on the<br />
National Junior Tournament Schedule<br />
Best of 3 tiebreak sets x x x x x x3 Best of 5 tiebreak sets -The<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ 18 National<br />
Championships Only (Kalamazoo)<br />
Best of 3 tiebreak sets with a<br />
10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu<br />
x<br />
of a 3rd set x x3 Best of 3 Tiebreak Sets with a<br />
10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu<br />
of 3rd Set<br />
178 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations)<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Chmps.<br />
BG 16, Intersectional<br />
Team Championships<br />
BG 18, 16, & 14<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens<br />
BG 12 <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Team Chmps.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Zone Team Chmps.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments<br />
and <strong>USTA</strong> Interscholastic<br />
Championships<br />
Consolation Singles includes: x x x x<br />
All Feed-In Championship,<br />
Modified Feed-in Championship,<br />
and non-East Draw matches in a<br />
Compass Draw<br />
Best of 3 tiebreak sets x 2 x x 3<br />
Best of 3 tiebreak sets with a<br />
10-Point Match Tiebreak in<br />
lieu of a 3rd set x 2 x 3<br />
8-game pro set with a<br />
10-Point Tiebreak at 8 games all x x x 3<br />
8-game pro set with a<br />
7-Point Tiebreak at 8 games all x x<br />
Best of 3 short sets x3 1 Playoff for third place is considered a main draw singles match.<br />
2 The best of 3 tiebreak sets shall be used in the semifinal, final, and playoff for third place doubles matches<br />
at <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships. The match format for all other doubles matches shall be the best of 3<br />
tiebreak sets with a 10-Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of a 3rd Set.<br />
3 The <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments and <strong>USTA</strong> Interscholastic Championships may use any formats listed for<br />
each event. See the TennisLink Tournament Home Page for the formats to be used at each tournament.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments and ITF Tournaments on the National Junior Tournament Schedule<br />
ITF tournament regulations are used to determine the match formats for <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments<br />
and ITF tournaments on the National Junior Tournament Schedule.
TABLE 18<br />
<strong>2010</strong> <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> International Spring Championships—16 divisions<br />
• Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championship—16, 14, & 12<br />
divisions<br />
• Nike Junior Tour <strong>USTA</strong> National Masters—14 & 12 divisions<br />
• Prince Cup—16, 14, & 12 divisions<br />
• Dunlop Orange Bowl International Championships—16 divisions<br />
• Junior Orange Bowl International Championships—14 & 12 divisions<br />
10. <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens.<br />
a. Entry.<br />
i. Means of entry. A player submits an entry and entry fee to<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> and designates the player’s order of preference<br />
among the four <strong>USTA</strong> National Open sites.<br />
ii. Multiple entries allowed. A player may be entered in up to two<br />
age divisions of <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens when entries close. The<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> selects players for these divisions in the following order:<br />
18; 16; 14; and 12. If a player is entered in two age divisions<br />
and is selected into the older division, that player shall not be<br />
eligible for selection into the younger division. If a player is not<br />
selected for the older division, that player is eligible for<br />
selection in the younger division and is eligible to be an<br />
alternate in the younger division but not in the older division.<br />
iii. Player may play in only one age division. If a player plays in<br />
singles and doubles, the player shall play in the same age<br />
division.<br />
b. Eligibility of players with <strong>AT</strong>P, WTA, or ITF ranking. An amateur with<br />
an <strong>AT</strong>P, WTA, or ITF ranking is eligible to enter only if the player’s<br />
name appears on the most recently published National Standings<br />
List as of the entry deadline.<br />
c. Draw size. Each tournament shall have a draw of 64 for singles and<br />
32 for doubles.<br />
d. Selection process. Players shall be accepted into the draws and<br />
given preference in their choice of site in the following order:<br />
i. Up to 32 players (up to eight per draw) from the top 200<br />
players on the most recently published National Standings<br />
List of the next-younger age division in the order in which<br />
their names appear on this list;<br />
ii. Up to 224 players (up to 56 per draw) from the most recently<br />
published National Standings List for the age division in the<br />
order in which their names appear on this list;<br />
iii. Players not yet in the draw whose names appear on the<br />
most recently published National Standings List of the age<br />
division in the order in which their names appear on this list;<br />
iv. Players not yet in the draw whose names appear on the most<br />
recently published National Standings List of the<br />
next-younger age division in the order in which their names<br />
appear on this list; and<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations) 179
v. The remaining entrants in the order of the strength of their<br />
records.<br />
Players not selected for their first choice shall remain in the pool of<br />
applicants for entry into the other concurrent tournaments.<br />
e. Alternates. Those players who have not been selected after all<br />
four draws have been filled shall be placed in alternate pools at all<br />
concurrent tournaments for which the players indicated a<br />
preference. The Tournament Committees shall order the<br />
alternates as follows:<br />
i. Players in positions up to 600 from the National Standings<br />
List of the division used to select players into the tournament<br />
in the order in which their names appear on this List;<br />
ii. Players not already placed on the alternate list in positions up<br />
to 400 from the National Standings List of the next-younger<br />
division used to select players into the tournament in the<br />
order in which their names appear on this List;<br />
iii. Players not already placed on the alternate list whose names<br />
appear on the National Standings List of the division used to<br />
select players into the tournament in the order in which their<br />
names appear on this List;<br />
iv. Players not already placed on the alternate list whose names<br />
appear on the National Standings List of the next-younger<br />
division used to select players into the tournament in the<br />
order in which their names appear on this List; and<br />
v. The remaining entrants in an order determined by lot.<br />
FAC Comment IX.A-8: Late entrants may be placed on the alternate list after<br />
timely entries in an order determined by lot. See <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.H.4.<br />
f. Acceptance into <strong>USTA</strong> National Open makes player ineligible for<br />
play in concurrent <strong>USTA</strong> National Open. Once a player has been<br />
accepted into a <strong>USTA</strong> National Open, the player shall not be eligible<br />
for play in any other <strong>USTA</strong> National Open held concurrently, except<br />
that a player may submit a written request to move to another site<br />
within the same age division if the draw at the requested site is not<br />
full, the request is received by each Tournament Director no later<br />
than 10 days before the start date of the tournament, and each<br />
Tournament Director involved understands the circumstances and<br />
concurs in writing.<br />
g. Publication of selection. The <strong>USTA</strong> shall publish the names of the<br />
entrants and alternates.<br />
h. Singles draw format. In singles each tournament shall run a<br />
Feed-in Championship and playoff for third place. The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Player Development Division and Junior Competition Committee<br />
shall specify any additional playoff matches required and the<br />
round through which the losing players are fed into the Feed-in<br />
Championship. Each player shall play all matches unless the<br />
failure to do so is attributable to illness, injury, personal<br />
emergency, or adult decision.<br />
180 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations)
FAC Comment IX.A-9: The standard bye placement method described in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.B.4.d.i. shall be used in the Feed-in Championship draw.<br />
i. Doubles draw format. In doubles each tournament shall run a<br />
single elimination draw and playoff for third place. Each player<br />
shall play all matches unless the failure to do so is attributable to<br />
illness, injury, or personal emergency.<br />
j. Time when draws made. The draws shall not be made more than<br />
seven days before the start of the tournament.<br />
k. Remaking draws. If play has not begun, a draw may be remade:<br />
• If any one of the top four seeds withdraws; or<br />
• If two or more seeds withdraw.<br />
11. <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic<br />
Championships (East/West), <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments, and <strong>USTA</strong><br />
International Tournaments.<br />
a. Tournament regulations for <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships, <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic Championships (East/West),<br />
and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments. Regulations for <strong>USTA</strong> Team<br />
Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic<br />
Championships (East/West), and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments<br />
shall be prepared by the Junior Competition Committee and the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Player Development Division and shall be published.<br />
b. Use of ITF tournament regulations at <strong>USTA</strong> International<br />
Tournaments. <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments shall use ITF<br />
tournament regulations. The list of <strong>USTA</strong> International<br />
Tournaments shall be published. See Table 18.<br />
c. Coaching in <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships. Coaching shall be allowed<br />
only in <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships. Only the designated team coach<br />
shall be allowed to coach. Each team may have only one designated<br />
coach. Coaching may take place during changeovers and shall be<br />
conducted in an unobtrusive manner at the fence line with the<br />
coach outside the playing area while the player remains inside the<br />
playing area.<br />
12. Scheduling requirements. The scheduling guidelines in <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation II.D.12. and Table 6 and the order for canceling matches<br />
in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.G.5.a. are mandatory for <strong>USTA</strong> Junior<br />
National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments. Scheduling<br />
requirements for <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments and ITF<br />
tournaments on the National Junior Tournament Schedule are<br />
controlled by the ITF tournament regulations.<br />
13. Eligibility for international <strong>com</strong>petition. In <strong>com</strong>pliance with ITF regulations,<br />
in order to be endorsed by the <strong>USTA</strong> into ITF junior tournaments, a player<br />
shall be a United States citizen as evidenced by possession of a valid U.S.<br />
passport, birth certificate (not conclusive in all cases), or Certificate of<br />
Naturalization.<br />
A player residing in Puerto Rico who meets the eligibility criteria of<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.2.a. may play on the Puerto Rico or United States<br />
international teams. A player residing in the U.S. Virgin Islands who meets<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.A. (Junior National Tournament Regulations) 181
the eligibility criteria of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.2.a may play on the U.S.<br />
Virgin Islands or United States international teams. Once a player has<br />
<strong>com</strong>peted for one team, the player may not <strong>com</strong>pete on the other team<br />
unless reinstated.<br />
B. Junior National Suspension System<br />
1. Application. The <strong>USTA</strong> Suspension Point System shall apply to<br />
tournaments listed on the National Junior Tournament Schedule. It applies<br />
to conduct:<br />
• During all matches (main draw, <strong>com</strong>pass draw, consolation,<br />
qualifying, and doubles);<br />
• During tournament activities;<br />
• At tournament facilities; and<br />
• At facilities, such as hotels, dormitories, and homes where<br />
players stay.<br />
Additionally each suspension point assessed at ITF tournaments be<strong>com</strong>es<br />
one suspension point under the <strong>USTA</strong> Suspension Point System.<br />
2. Suspension points. The <strong>USTA</strong> Junior and Collegiate Competition<br />
Department shall record suspension points upon being notified of the<br />
violations listed in Table 19.<br />
3. Persons authorized to file suspension point reports with the Referee.<br />
The following persons are authorized to file suspension point reports<br />
with the Referee for offenses they personally witness:<br />
• Tournament Committee members<br />
• Chief Umpire<br />
• Deputy Referees<br />
• On-court officials (including Roving Officials)<br />
• Court Monitors, if specifically authorized by the Referee<br />
• Club or facility managers<br />
• Hotel or dormitory managers<br />
• Families housing players<br />
• Player Development staff<br />
FAC Comment IX.B-1: The <strong>USTA</strong> Junior and Collegiate Competition<br />
Department, 10399 Flores Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33428 has forms that are<br />
used to report code violations and suspension points that are assessed.<br />
Suspension points are assessed by the Referee, Sectional junior staff, or<br />
National junior staff. They are not assessed by the Tournament Director,<br />
Roving Umpires, Chair Umpires, or Line Umpires.<br />
4. Notification to Director of Junior Competition and Sectional Associations<br />
of points levied. The Tournament Committee shall promptly inform the<br />
Director of Junior Competition (hereinafter “Director”) of any points levied<br />
against any player (foreign or American). The Director shall then inform<br />
the player’s Sectional Association of the suspension points and any<br />
resulting suspension, and the Sectional Association shall have the<br />
opportunity to submit, on behalf of the player, any additional<br />
information for consideration. Failure of the Director to notify a<br />
Sectional Association of suspension points and any resulting<br />
suspension shall not invalidate the points or the suspension.<br />
182 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.B. (Junior National Suspension System)
Defaults* Code<br />
Violations<br />
Improper Entry<br />
or Withdrawal<br />
Unsportsmanlike<br />
Conduct<br />
Gross<br />
Misconduct<br />
Playing<br />
Under<br />
Suspension<br />
ITF Suspension<br />
Points<br />
TABLE 19<br />
Suspension Points<br />
Violation Suspension<br />
Points<br />
Each code violation (point, game, or default) except that<br />
players who receive code violations because of delay<br />
immediately after a medical timeout or because of obvious<br />
cramping are not assessed suspension points. 2<br />
Default for flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct on or off court 8<br />
Default for refusal to play or continue to play (for reasons<br />
other than illness, injury, or personal emergency) 5<br />
Default because of an adult discipline 5<br />
Default for no-show 5<br />
Default for late arrival 1<br />
Disqualification for ineligibility 3<br />
*Suspension points for defaults are in addition to points previously assessed for<br />
code violations.<br />
Being entered when entries close in two or more sanctioned<br />
tournaments scheduled to overlap unless each Tournament<br />
Committee approves the multiple entries in writing 5<br />
Withdrawal from tournament after entries closed for reason<br />
other than injury, illness, personal emergency, or previously<br />
authorized entry into another tournament 4<br />
Unsportsmanlike conduct or inappropriate conduct on court<br />
after a match or off court at locations such as the tournament<br />
site, hotel, housing, or tournament sponsored event 5<br />
Not using best efforts to win 2<br />
Physical violence against another person on or off court by a<br />
player, relative, coach, or other person associated with a player 10<br />
Illegal use or possession of drugs 8<br />
Possessing or drinking alcoholic beverages 8<br />
Gambling activity (see <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.C.18.) 8<br />
Destruction of property<br />
Playing in any sanctioned tournament while suspended<br />
9<br />
by <strong>USTA</strong> or one of its Sectional Associations 10<br />
Each suspension point assessed at ITF tournaments and<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments be<strong>com</strong>es one suspension<br />
point under the <strong>USTA</strong> Suspension Point System 1<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.B. (Junior National Suspension System) 183
5. Player suspension. The Director shall suspend players according to the<br />
following schedule:<br />
a. First suspension. If a player receives 10 suspension points within<br />
a 12-month period, the player shall be suspended from<br />
<strong>com</strong>peting in <strong>USTA</strong>-sanctioned tournaments for three months. (If<br />
no <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship falls during the 3-month period,<br />
the player shall not be accepted into the <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championship immediately following the 3-month suspension<br />
period.) Upon suspension these 10 points shall be cleared from the<br />
player’s record. All other suspension points shall remain on the<br />
player’s record and count towards a second suspension.<br />
b. Second suspension. If a player receives 8 suspension points within<br />
the 12 months immediately following the first suspension, the player<br />
shall be suspended from <strong>com</strong>peting in <strong>USTA</strong>-sanctioned<br />
tournaments for six months. Upon suspension these 8 points shall be<br />
cleared from the player’s record. All other suspension points shall<br />
remain on the player’s record and count towards a third suspension.<br />
c. Subsequent suspensions. If a player receives 6 suspension points<br />
within the 12-month period immediately following the second<br />
suspension (and any suspensions subsequent to the second<br />
suspension), the player shall be suspended from <strong>com</strong>peting in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>-sanctioned tournaments for a period to be determined by the<br />
Director, the Chairperson of the Junior Competition Committee, and<br />
one additional member of the Junior Competition Committee to be<br />
appointed by the Chairperson. The suspension period shall not be<br />
less than one year and may be up to the remainder of the player’s<br />
junior career. These 6 points shall be cleared from the player’s record.<br />
6. Written notice to player. After the Director has determined that a player<br />
should be suspended, the Director shall send a notice by first class mail<br />
and by certified mail (return receipt requested) to the player at the<br />
address shown on the records of the <strong>USTA</strong> Membership Department.<br />
The notice shall set forth:<br />
• That the player is being suspended;<br />
• The length of the suspension;<br />
• The player’s right to appeal the suspension under <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation IX.B.8.;<br />
• The procedure for appealing the suspension; and<br />
• A statement that if the player chooses not to appeal the<br />
suspension, then the suspension shall begin 21 days after<br />
the date the notice was mailed.<br />
7. Player may request that suspension start immediately. When a player<br />
accumulates sufficient points to be suspended, the player may request<br />
that the suspension period begin immediately. The player shall mail the<br />
request by certified mail, return receipt requested to the Director. If the<br />
Director confirms that the player has accumulated sufficient points to<br />
be suspended, the suspension shall begin on the date that the certified<br />
notice was mailed.<br />
8. Right to appeal suspension to <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee. A player<br />
shall have the right to appeal a suspension to the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance<br />
Committee in accordance with Bylaw 43. Absent good cause shown,<br />
184 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.B. (Junior National Suspension System)
any appeal shall be barred unless it is made in writing within 21 days of<br />
the Director’s mailing the notice of suspension and shall be mailed first<br />
class, certified, or registered mail to the Grievance Chairperson, c/o<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Executive Director, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, New<br />
York 10604.<br />
9. Effective date of suspension.<br />
a. If an appeal of a suspension is not made to the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance<br />
Committee, the suspension begins 21 days after the Director mails<br />
the certified notice of suspension to the player or such earlier date<br />
as may be requested in writing by the player under <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
IX.B.7.<br />
b. If an appeal of the suspension is made to the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance<br />
Committee and if the initial decision affirms the suspension, the<br />
suspension begins on the date the decision is mailed unless the<br />
decision states otherwise or unless a stay is granted.<br />
C. Junior National Rankings<br />
1. Divisions ranked. The <strong>USTA</strong> shall publish rankings in the Boys’ and Girls’<br />
18, 16, 14, and 12 Divisions.<br />
2. Eligibility for National rankings. Players eligible to play in <strong>USTA</strong> Junior<br />
National Championships are eligible for a National ranking. See <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation IX.A.2.a. for these requirements.<br />
3. National Ranking Tournaments. The following tournaments shall be<br />
known as National Ranking Tournaments and only results from these<br />
tournaments shall be considered for junior National rankings:<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships;<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens;<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships;<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic Championships<br />
(East/West);<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments;<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments;<br />
• ITF tournaments listed on the National Junior Tournament<br />
Schedule; and<br />
• Sectional Ranking Tournaments (as defined in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
IX.C.4.).<br />
4. Sectional Ranking Tournaments. Each Sectional Association shall<br />
designate 12 Sectional Ranking Tournaments during the year. The<br />
relative weights of these tournaments shall be determined as set forth in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.C.6., provided, however, that each Sectional<br />
Association shall be assigned the same number of tournaments with the<br />
same relative weights and ranking points accumulated for winning<br />
rounds.<br />
5. Ranking points. Players shall earn ranking points in singles and doubles<br />
as follows:<br />
i. Points Per Round. Points Per Round are those points that are<br />
awarded based on the round that the player or team reached.<br />
ii. Bonus points. Bonus points are those points that are awarded<br />
based on wins over highly ranked players.<br />
6. Assignment of ranking points. Annually the Junior Competition<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.C. (Junior National Rankings) 185
Committee and the <strong>USTA</strong> Player Development Division shall determine:<br />
• The Points Per Round that shall be assigned to each round in each<br />
National Ranking Tournament; and<br />
• The bonus points awarded, if any, for wins over highly ranked<br />
players.<br />
The assigned ranking points shall be published on the <strong>USTA</strong> website.<br />
7. Combined rankings. Junior National rankings are based on singles and<br />
doubles ranking points. A player’s junior National ranking shall be<br />
calculated by adding:<br />
• 100% of the ranking points earned in singles from the eight<br />
National Ranking Tournaments in which the player received the<br />
most singles ranking points; and<br />
• A percentage of the ranking points earned in doubles from the<br />
eight National Ranking Tournaments in which the player<br />
received the most doubles ranking points, which percentage<br />
shall be determined by the Junior Competition Committee. The<br />
percentage shall be published on the <strong>USTA</strong> website.<br />
FAC Comment IX.C-1: The percentage assigned to doubles for <strong>2010</strong>, is 15%.<br />
8. Treatment of byes, withdrawals, walkovers, disqualifications, defaults,<br />
and retirements.<br />
a. Byes. A player who advances because of a bye does not receive<br />
Points Per Round for advancing.<br />
b. Withdrawals. A player who advances because of a withdrawal shall<br />
receive Points Per Round for advancing but shall not receive any<br />
bonus points.<br />
c. Walkovers. A player who advances because of a walkover shall<br />
receive Points Per Round for advancing but shall not receive any<br />
bonus points.<br />
d. Disqualification. A player who advances because of a<br />
disqualification receives Points Per Round for advancing but shall<br />
not receive any bonus points.<br />
e. Defaults before the first point of the match. A player who advances<br />
because of a default before the first point of a match shall receive<br />
Points Per Round for advancing but shall not receive any bonus<br />
points. Examples of these defaults include, but are not necessarily<br />
limited to, defaults for:<br />
• Lateness for the start of a match;<br />
• Failure to show up for a match;<br />
• Refusal to start a match;<br />
• Code violations under the Point Penalty System occurring<br />
during the warm-up; and<br />
• Misconduct before or between matches.<br />
f. Defaults after the first point of the match. A player who advances<br />
because of a default after the first point of the match receives<br />
Points Per Round and any bonus points that apply to the match.<br />
Examples of these defaults include, but are not necessarily limited<br />
to, defaults for:<br />
186 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.C. (Junior National Rankings)
• Code violations under the Point Penalty System;<br />
• Lateness after a rest period;<br />
• Lateness for resumption of a suspended match; and<br />
• Refusal to continue to play a match.<br />
g. Player defaulted for code violations receives no ranking points. A<br />
player who has been defaulted for code violations under the Point<br />
Penalty System shall not receive any ranking points that the player<br />
had accumulated in the event.<br />
h. Retirements. A player who advances because of the opponent’s<br />
retirement shall receive Points Per Round for advancing and any<br />
bonus points.<br />
9. Matches generally may count in only one division. No match may count<br />
for ranking in more than one division, except that results in the Boys’ and<br />
Girls’ 18 Divisions from the <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships shall be<br />
considered in the Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Divisions, the Men’s and Women’s<br />
Open Divisions, and the Professional/National Open Men’s and Women’s<br />
Ranking Divisions.<br />
10. Players ranked. All players who received at least 200 ranking points shall<br />
be ranked.<br />
11. Ranking lists in Junior Divisions shall show birth date of players. All<br />
ranking lists for the junior age divisions shall show the date of birth of each<br />
player ranked as officially recorded on the <strong>USTA</strong> membership records.<br />
12. Responsibilities of junior players seeking National ranking. Players shall<br />
be responsible for regularly reviewing their player records and shall<br />
promptly submit corrections to their player records to the <strong>USTA</strong> Junior<br />
and Collegiate Competition Department. All corrections must be<br />
submitted no later than January 30.<br />
D. Junior National Ranking Committees<br />
1. <strong>USTA</strong> President shall establish National ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees. The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
President shall establish National ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees under the Junior<br />
Competition Committee to rank the divisions that are required to be<br />
ranked under <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.C.1. The <strong>USTA</strong> President may<br />
appoint a Junior Ranking Coordinator to coordinate all National<br />
rankings in these divisions. Subject to the approval of the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
President, vacancies in the Junior Ranking Coordinator position or on<br />
the ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees may be filled by the chairperson of the Junior<br />
Competition Committee. If the chairperson is unable to fill the vacancy,<br />
the Junior Ranking Coordinator, subject to the approval of the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
President, shall fill the vacancy.<br />
2. Committee size. Each ranking <strong>com</strong>mittee shall have at least two and no<br />
more than five members inclusive of its chairperson. If a ranking<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee has an even number of members, the Junior Ranking<br />
Coordinator may act as an additional member of the <strong>com</strong>mittee.<br />
3. Tentative rankings. This is the first ranking determined by junior ranking<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittees for both singles and doubles play. The tentative rankings and<br />
the individual player records shall be published by January 15 of each<br />
year. These tentative rankings have no official standing until certified by<br />
the Junior Ranking Review Board.<br />
4. Corrections must be received no later than January 30. Any corrections to<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.D. (Junior National Ranking Comitttees) 187
a player’s record must be received by the chairperson of the appropriate<br />
junior ranking <strong>com</strong>mittee no later than January 30 of each year.<br />
E. Junior National Ranking Review Board<br />
1. Composition. The Junior National Ranking Review Board shall consist of<br />
a chairperson and two to four individual ranking <strong>com</strong>mittee members all<br />
of whom shall be appointed by the <strong>USTA</strong> President. If an appeal <strong>com</strong>es<br />
before the Junior National Review Board in a division in which its<br />
chairperson is a member, the chairperson may not consider that appeal.<br />
2. Meetings. The Junior National Review Board shall meet to finalize the<br />
tentative rankings. Meetings may be held by telephone conference call or<br />
other <strong>com</strong>munication equipment that allows all persons participating to<br />
hear each other.<br />
3. <strong>USTA</strong> staff shall provide relevant data. The <strong>USTA</strong> staff shall provide all<br />
relevant data to the Junior National Ranking Review Board.<br />
4. Final rankings issued by March 1. These are the singles and doubles<br />
rankings in all divisions that have been certified as official <strong>USTA</strong> rankings<br />
by the Junior Ranking Review Board and shall be subsequently<br />
published. These final junior rankings are determined after corrected<br />
data have been received and acted upon by junior ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees.<br />
Final junior rankings are not subject to appeal. The Junior National<br />
Ranking Review Board shall issue the final rankings by March 1.<br />
F. Confidentiality of Ranking Information.<br />
Members of National ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees and the Junior National Ranking<br />
Review Board shall not disclose any results of their deliberations or any other<br />
information concerning the rankings before their release by the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
188 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS IX.E. (Junior National Ranking Review Board)
X. ADULT, SENIOR AND FAMILY N<strong>AT</strong>IONAL TOURNAMENTS AND RANKINGS<br />
A. Adult, Senior, and Family National Tournament Regulations<br />
1. Overview of Adult, Senior, and Family National Tournament System.<br />
Annually the <strong>USTA</strong> shall publish the National Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
Tournament Schedule, which shall include the following tournaments:<br />
a. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships—Annual. The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
shall sanction at least one Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championship in each of the divisions set forth below. Category I<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships may be sanctioned on hard,<br />
grass, clay, or indoor surfaces.<br />
i. Adult Divisions. Men’s and Women’s Open and 30.<br />
ii. Senior Divisions. Men’s and Women’s 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,<br />
65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90.<br />
iii. Family Divisions.<br />
• Father-Son, Father (60 & Over)-Son, Father (70 &<br />
Over)-Son;<br />
• Father-Daughter, Father (60 & Over)-Daughter, Father<br />
(70 & Over)-Daughter, Father (80 & Over)-Daughter;<br />
• Mother-Son;<br />
• Mother-Daughter, Mother (60 & Over)-Daughter,<br />
Mother (70 & Over)-Daughter;<br />
• Husband-Wife Mixed, Husband-Wife Mixed<br />
(Combined Ages 100 Years), Husband-Wife Mixed<br />
(Combined Ages 120 Years), Husband-Wife Mixed<br />
(Combined Ages 140 Years); and<br />
• Grandfather-Grandson.<br />
FAC Comment X.A-1: All Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships in the<br />
Men’s and Women’s 35-80, and Men’s 85 Divisions are also sanctioned by<br />
the ITF and are played under ITF Seniors Regulations.<br />
FAC Comment X.A-2: Although Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships<br />
are sanctioned in the Open Division, there is no Adult Open ranking. Results<br />
in these tournaments count for the Adult National Open and<br />
Professional/Adult National Open rankings.<br />
b. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships—Optional. The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
may sanction one or more Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championship in each division below. These Category I <strong>USTA</strong><br />
National Championships may be sanctioned on hard, grass, clay,<br />
or indoor surfaces.<br />
i. Adult Divisions. Mixed and 30 Mixed.<br />
ii. Senior Divisions. 40 Mixed, 50 Mixed, and 60 Mixed.<br />
FAC Comment X.A-3: Although Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships are<br />
sanctioned in the Mixed, 30 Mixed, 40 Mixed, 50 Mixed, and 60 Mixed<br />
Divisions, there are no rankings in these divisions.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.A. (Adult, Senior and Family National Tournaments…) 189
c. <strong>USTA</strong> National Intersectional Team Events. Annually the<br />
Adult/Senior Competition Committee shall sanction <strong>USTA</strong><br />
National Intersectional Team Events in divisions as determined by<br />
the Committee.<br />
d. Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments and Category II <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Tournaments. Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments and Category<br />
II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments are Sectionally sanctioned tournaments that<br />
are selected by the Adult/Senior Competition Committee and the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department for inclusion on the National<br />
Adult, Senior, and Family Tournament Schedule. The Adult/Senior<br />
Competition Committee, in consultation with the <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive<br />
Play Department, shall determine the selection criteria.<br />
FAC Comment X.A-4: Some Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments and<br />
some Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments are also sanctioned by the ITF.<br />
These tournaments are played under ITF Seniors Regulations.<br />
2. Tournament regulations for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships. All<br />
Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships that are sanctioned by the ITF<br />
shall be played under ITF Seniors Regulations and shall follow the<br />
requirements listed below when they are not inconsistent with ITF Seniors<br />
Regulations. Any Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship that is not<br />
sanctioned by the ITF shall follow the requirements listed below.<br />
a. Citizenship not required. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship<br />
shall be open to citizens of the United States and non-citizens.<br />
b. Draw regulations. Each Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship<br />
shall be required to offer singles and doubles in the divisions for<br />
which the tournament has been sanctioned, except for Category I<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships in the Adult Mixed, Senior Mixed,<br />
and Family Divisions, which are only required to hold doubles.<br />
i. Draw sizes. Draw sizes shall be determined by the<br />
Tournament Committee. Selection for draws with limited draw<br />
sizes shall be done as set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation I.H.4.,<br />
except that the Tournament Committee has the discretion to<br />
hold a Qualifying Draw. Wild cards may not be awarded.<br />
FAC Comment X.A-5: Matches played in qualifiers for Category I <strong>USTA</strong><br />
National Championships do not count for National ranking, but they do<br />
count for meeting the minimum participation requirements if the qualifier is<br />
sanctioned as part of the Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship.<br />
ii. Consolation draws required. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships shall include consolation draws in singles,<br />
doubles, and mixed doubles. The Tournament Committee<br />
shall determine the consolation format that shall be used.<br />
iii. Playoff for third place. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships shall have the losing semifinalists in all events<br />
(singles, doubles, and mixed doubles) playoff for third place.<br />
c. Seeding. The seeding method shall be the All-Factors Method of<br />
seeding described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.A.4.a.<br />
190 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.A. (Adult, Senior and Family National Tournaments…)
d. Match formats. All matches played in Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships shall use one of the following formats:<br />
• The best of three tiebreak sets; or<br />
• The best of five tiebreak sets.<br />
FAC Comment X.A-6: <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.F.5. states that only the matches<br />
played with the formats set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.A.2.d. shall count<br />
for ranking, except when an alternate match format has been authorized in<br />
advance by the Chairperson of the Adult/Senior Competition Committee or<br />
the Chairperson’s designee. See also <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.A.2.h.<br />
e. No-ad scoring may be used. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships may use no-ad scoring.<br />
f. Playing semifinals and finals on sanctioned surface. The semifinal<br />
and final round matches shall be played on the surface on which the<br />
tournament has been sanctioned unless more than 24 hours of<br />
inclement weather or other cause prevents these matches from<br />
being played on the sanctioned surface. For purposes of this<br />
regulation, the designation “hard courts” includes all types of hard<br />
courts, and the designation “clay courts” includes all types of clay<br />
courts.<br />
g. Scheduling.<br />
i. Limit on number of matches per day. The scheduling<br />
guidelines in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.D.12. and Table 7 are<br />
mandatory for all Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships.<br />
ii. Order of play. On any day of play, players’ matches should be<br />
scheduled as follows:<br />
• All singles main draw matches should take precedence<br />
over all consolation matches;<br />
• The first singles consolation match of the day may be<br />
scheduled before a main draw doubles or main draw<br />
mixed doubles match; and<br />
• The first main draw doubles match of the day should be<br />
scheduled before a second singles consolation match.<br />
For the purpose of this regulation, playoff matches for third<br />
place are considered part of the main draw.<br />
h. Shortening tournaments. The Chairperson of the Adult/Senior<br />
Competition Committee or the Chairperson’s designee may<br />
authorize the Referee of a Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship<br />
to use a match format not previously authorized because of:<br />
• Inclement weather;<br />
• Health concerns; or<br />
• Safety concerns.<br />
All matches in each round shall be played with the same format.<br />
Note, however, the shortening of any Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championship sanctioned by the ITF is controlled by ITF Seniors<br />
Regulations.<br />
i. Practice courts. Practice courts should be available on the day<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.A. (Adult, Senior and Family National Tournaments…) 191
efore the start of the tournament and on each day during the<br />
tournament.<br />
3. Tournament regulations for <strong>USTA</strong> National Intersectional Team Events.<br />
a. Scheduling guidelines and match limitations. The scheduling<br />
guidelines and match limitations set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations<br />
II.D.12. and X.A.2.g.i. and Table 7 shall not apply to players who<br />
enter both singles and doubles.<br />
b. Tournament Directors’ discretion. Tournament Directors may<br />
impose entry and scheduling limitations provided they are<br />
announced before the start of the tournament.<br />
c. Coaching. Coaching shall be allowed in <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Intersectional Team Events.<br />
d. Other regulations. Other regulations for the <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Intersectional Team Events shall be prepared by the Adult/Senior<br />
Competition Committee and the <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department<br />
and shall be published.<br />
B. Divisions and Categories Ranked<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> shall issue rankings in the:<br />
1. Adult National Open category. Men’s and Women’s Adult National Open<br />
categories.<br />
2. Professional/Adult National Open category. Men’s and Women’s<br />
Professional/Adult National Open categories.<br />
3. Adult Divisions. Men’s and Women’s 30 Divisions.<br />
4. Senior Divisions. Men’s and Women’s 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,<br />
80, 85, and 90 Division.<br />
5. Family Divisions.<br />
• Father-Son, Father (60 & Over)-Son, Father (70 & Over)-Son;<br />
• Father-Daughter, Father (60 & Over)-Daughter, Father (70 &<br />
Over)-Daughter; Father (80 & Over)-Daughter;<br />
• Mother-Son;<br />
• Mother-Daughter, Mother (60 & Over)-Daughter; Mother (70 &<br />
Over) Daughter;<br />
• Husband-Wife Mixed; Husband-Wife (Combined Ages 100 Years);<br />
Husband-Wife Mixed (Combined Ages 120 Years); Husband-Wife<br />
(Combined Ages 140 Years); and<br />
• Grandfather-Grandson.<br />
C. Eligibility for National Ranking<br />
In the Adult National Open and Professional/Adult National Open ranking<br />
categories and the Adult, Senior, and Family Divisions, only the following<br />
categories of persons are eligible to receive a national ranking:<br />
1. U.S. Citizens. Citizens of the United States.<br />
2. Certain aliens.<br />
• Permanent resident aliens. Permanent resident aliens of the United<br />
States.<br />
• Diplomats. Aliens who have resided in the United States<br />
continuously for more than one year and who are members of<br />
families of persons in the diplomatic or consular corps.<br />
• Aliens with Refugee Status. Aliens who have been granted Refugee<br />
Status.<br />
192 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.B. (Divisions and Categories Ranked)
• Aliens with Asylee Status. Aliens who have been granted Asylee<br />
Status.<br />
• Aliens with Temporary Protected Status. Aliens who have been<br />
granted Temporary Protected Status.<br />
• Aliens with Adjustment Status. Aliens whose I-485 (Application to<br />
Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status) has been accepted<br />
for filing.<br />
• British Columbians. Canadian citizens and landed Canadian<br />
immigrants who reside in British Columbia.<br />
FAC Comment X.C-1: Documents <strong>com</strong>monly used to support a particular alien<br />
status include a permanent resident alien card (green card), Form I-94, and a<br />
receipt confirming filing of the I-485.<br />
D. Adult National Open Rankings<br />
1. Points Per Round Ranking System. Rankings in the Adult National Open<br />
Men’s and Women’s singles and individual doubles ranking categories<br />
shall be based on a points per round ranking system. The Adult National<br />
Open ranking period for all players shall be January 1 through December<br />
31. Annually the <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit Department shall determine:<br />
• The tournaments that shall be considered for ranking;<br />
• The ranking points that shall be assigned to each round in each<br />
tournament;<br />
• How byes, withdrawals, walkovers, disqualifications, defaults, and<br />
retirements are handled; and<br />
• How ranking ties are broken.<br />
This information shall be published on the <strong>USTA</strong> website. Eligible players<br />
must meet the minimum tournament participation requirements listed in<br />
Table 20 to be ranked.<br />
2. Corrections. Player records shall be published on the <strong>USTA</strong> website.<br />
Players should check their records and submit verifiable additions and<br />
corrections to the <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit Department. Periodic updates to<br />
the year-end rankings may be published after additions and corrections<br />
are verified.<br />
E. Professional/Adult National Open Rankings<br />
1. Professional/Adult National Open rankings. Rankings in the<br />
Professional/Adult National Open Men’s and Women’s singles and<br />
individual doubles ranking categories are a <strong>com</strong>posite of the most<br />
recently published year-end <strong>AT</strong>P or WTA rankings and the Professional/<br />
Adult National Open rankings described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.D. The<br />
Professional/Adult National Open Ranking Period for all players shall be<br />
January 1 through December 31. Eligible players must meet the minimum<br />
tournament participation requirements listed in Table 20 to be ranked.<br />
FAC Comment X.E-1: The Professional/Adult National Open ranking list is<br />
also called the “Top 500 List” as it is used by the ITF to determine the top<br />
500 ranked players for the purposes of selection into qualifying for ITF<br />
professional tournaments.<br />
a. Men’s Division. Eligible players shall be ranked in the following<br />
order:<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.E. (Professional/Adult National Open Rankings) 193
TABLE 20<br />
Adult National Open and Professional/Adult National Open<br />
Minimum Tournament Participation Requirements for National Ranking<br />
Ranking Category<br />
Adult National Open Men’s<br />
Singles and Doubles<br />
Adult National Open Women’s<br />
Singles and Doubles<br />
Professional/Adult National Open<br />
Men’s Singles and Doubles<br />
Professional/Adult National Open<br />
Women’s Singles and Doubles<br />
Minimum Tournament Participation Requirements<br />
One Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship in the Open<br />
Division*<br />
and<br />
Two additional tournaments from the following list:<br />
• Sectional Championship in the Open Division<br />
• Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournament in the Open Division<br />
• Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournament in the Open Division<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit Event**<br />
• NCAA Division I National Tournaments (ITA All-American<br />
Championships, ITA National Indoor Championships, and<br />
NCAA Division I National Championships)<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 National Championships<br />
Note:<br />
• Three <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit Events** may be substituted for one<br />
Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship in the Open Division.<br />
• A second Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship in the<br />
Open Division* may be substituted for the two additional<br />
tournaments.<br />
One Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship in the<br />
Open Division*<br />
or<br />
Three <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit Events**<br />
and<br />
Two additional tournaments from the following list:<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit Event**<br />
• NCAA Division I National Tournaments (ITA All-American<br />
Championships, ITA National Indoor Championships, and<br />
NCAA Division I National Championships)<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 National Championships<br />
• Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournament in the Open Division<br />
(If a player plays a Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournament,<br />
the third tournament may be a Sectional Championship in<br />
the Open Division.)<br />
• Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournament in the Open Division (If a<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournament is played, the third tournament<br />
may be a Sectional Championship in the Open Division.)<br />
* Playing in the qualifier round of 16 for a Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship in the Open<br />
Division also meets the participation requirement.<br />
** Playing in the qualifier round of 32 for a <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit Event also meets the participation<br />
requirement.<br />
i. The order in which their names appear on the most recent<br />
year-end <strong>AT</strong>P ranking list. Ties shall be broken based on the<br />
order tied players appear on the most recent Adult National<br />
Open ranking list.<br />
ii. Players not previously ranked in the order in which their names<br />
appear on the year-end Adult National Open ranking list.<br />
b. Women’s Division. Eligible players shall be ranked in the following<br />
order:<br />
194 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.E. (Professional/Adult National Open Rankings)
i. The order in which their names appear on the most recent<br />
year-end WTA ranking list. Ties shall be broken based on the<br />
order tied players appear on the most recent Adult National<br />
Open ranking list.<br />
ii. Players not previously ranked in the order in which their<br />
names appear on the year-end Adult National Open ranking<br />
list.<br />
2. Corrections. Player records shall be published on the <strong>USTA</strong> website. Players<br />
should check their records and submit verifiable additions and corrections<br />
to the <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit Department. Periodic updates to the year-end<br />
rankings may be published after additions and corrections are verified.<br />
F. Adult, Senior, and Family National Rankings<br />
1. Adult, Senior, and Family ranking period. The Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
ranking period for all players and teams shall be January 1 through<br />
December 31.<br />
2. National Ranking Tournaments. The following tournaments shall be<br />
known as National Ranking Tournaments in the Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
ranking divisions and only results from these tournaments using<br />
approved match formats set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.A.2.d. shall be<br />
considered for ranking:<br />
• Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships<br />
• Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments<br />
• Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> National Intersectional Team Events<br />
• Sectional Championships (as defined in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.F.3.)<br />
• Local Tournaments (as defined in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.F.4.)<br />
3. Sectional Championships. These are tournaments sanctioned by the<br />
Sectional Associations as Sectional Championships in the Adult, Senior,<br />
and Family Divisions that are not Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments.<br />
4. Local Tournaments. Local Tournaments are tournaments sanctioned by<br />
the Sectional or District Associations in the Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
Divisions that are neither Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments,<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments, nor Sectional Championships.<br />
5. Matches considered for National ranking. Only matches in National<br />
Ranking Tournaments that use the scoring system specifically described<br />
in Rules 5, 6, and 7 and no-ad scoring described in Appendix IV of the<br />
ITF Rules of Tennis and that are the best of three sets or the best of five<br />
sets shall be considered for ranking except that:<br />
• Matches that use other formats in Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships shall be considered for ranking if their use is<br />
authorized in advance by the Chairperson of the Adult/Senior<br />
Competition Committee or the Chairperson’s designee; and<br />
• Matches that use other formats in all National Ranking<br />
Tournaments shall be considered for ranking unless their use for<br />
ranking is prohibited by the Adult/Senior Competition Committee.<br />
6. Points Per Round ranking system.<br />
a. Ranking points. Players shall earn ranking points in National<br />
Ranking Tournaments based on a Points Per Round ranking<br />
system. Annually the Adult/Senior Competition Committee shall<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.F. (Adult, Senior and Family National Rankings) 195
determine the ranking points that shall be assigned to each round<br />
in each tournament and for participating in each tournament. This<br />
information shall be published on the <strong>USTA</strong> website.<br />
b. Relative weights of National Ranking Tournaments.<br />
i. <strong>USTA</strong> National Intersectional Team Events. Annually the<br />
Adult/Senior Competition Committee shall determine the<br />
points for winning matches in the <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Intersectional Team Events.<br />
ii. Relative weights of other National Ranking Tournaments.<br />
The relative ranking weights of other tournaments are listed<br />
in Table 21.<br />
Table 21<br />
Relative Ranking Weights of Other National Ranking Tournaments<br />
Relative<br />
Tournament Type Ranking Weight<br />
Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship 10<br />
Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments 5<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments 4<br />
Sectional Championships 2<br />
Local Tournaments 1<br />
c. Treatment of byes, withdrawals, walkovers, disqualifications,<br />
defaults, and retirements.<br />
i. Byes. A player who advances because of a bye does not<br />
receive ranking points for advancing.<br />
ii. Withdrawals. A player who advances because of a<br />
withdrawal shall receive ranking points for advancing.<br />
iii. Walkovers. A player who advances because of a walkover<br />
shall receive ranking points for advancing.<br />
iv. Disqualification. A player who advances because of a<br />
disqualification shall receive ranking points for advancing.<br />
v. Defaults. A player who advances because of a default shall<br />
receive ranking points for advancing.<br />
vi. Retirements. A player who advances because of the opponent’s<br />
retirement shall receive ranking points for advancing.<br />
d. Breaking ranking ties. If players or teams receive the same number<br />
of ranking points, ties shall be broken using the following steps in<br />
the order listed. As many ties as possible shall be broken before<br />
using the next step:<br />
• Most points earned in Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships;<br />
• Most points earned in Super Category II Tournaments and<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments; and<br />
• Most points earned in any other National Ranking<br />
Tournament.<br />
196 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.F. (Adult, Senior and Family National Rankings)
7. Calculating rankings in Adult and Senior Divisions.<br />
a. Singles rankings. Subject to the limitations set forth in <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation X.F.7.d. below, Adult and Senior singles rankings shall<br />
be based on the total ranking points received during a calendar<br />
year as follows:<br />
• Men’s Divisions: total ranking points from up to five<br />
tournaments in which the player received the most ranking<br />
points.<br />
• Women’s Divisions: total ranking points from up to four<br />
tournaments in which the player received the most ranking<br />
points.<br />
b. Team doubles rankings. Subject to the limitations set forth in <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation X.F.7.d. below, Adult and Senior team ranking doubles<br />
in men’s and women’s divisions shall be based on the total ranking<br />
points received during a calendar year from up to four tournaments<br />
in which the team received the most ranking points.<br />
c. Individual doubles rankings. Subject to the limitations set forth in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.F.7.d. below, Adult and Senior individual<br />
doubles rankings shall be based on the total ranking points<br />
received during a calendar year as follows:<br />
• Men’s Divisions: total ranking points from up to five National<br />
Ranking Tournaments in which the player received the most<br />
ranking points.<br />
• Women’s Divisions: total ranking points from up to four<br />
National Ranking Tournaments in which the player received<br />
the most ranking points.<br />
FAC Comment X.F-1: There are no rankings in the Adult or Senior Mixed<br />
Doubles Divisions.<br />
d. Limitations.<br />
• Players and teams must meet the minimum tournament<br />
participation requirements listed in Table 22 to be ranked.<br />
• Ranking points earned at no more than two Sectional<br />
Championships shall be counted for a National ranking.<br />
• Ranking points earned in at least one Category I <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Championship shall be included among the National Ranking<br />
Tournaments that count for National ranking.<br />
• Only those players or teams who receive at least 50 ranking<br />
points shall be ranked.<br />
8. Calculating rankings in Family Divisions. Each player or team must play<br />
in one Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship in order to receive a<br />
National ranking (see Table 22). Family rankings shall be based on the<br />
total ranking points received during a calendar year from the four<br />
National Ranking Tournaments in which the player or team received the<br />
most ranking points, except that:<br />
• Ranking points earned at no more than two Sectional<br />
Championships shall be counted for a National ranking.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.F. (Adult, Senior and Family National Rankings) 197
Adult & Senior<br />
Family<br />
Division<br />
Men’s 30-90 Singles,<br />
Team Doubles, and<br />
Individual Doubles<br />
Women’s 30-90 Singles,<br />
Team Doubles, and<br />
Individual Doubles<br />
TABLE 22<br />
Adult, Senior, and Family Minimum Tournament<br />
Participation Requirements for National Ranking<br />
All Family Divisions:<br />
Father-Son, Father-Daughter,<br />
Mother-Son, Mother-Daughter,<br />
Husband-Wife,<br />
Grandfather-Grandson<br />
Minimum Tournament Participation Requirements<br />
One Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship, including the<br />
qualifier<br />
One Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship, including the<br />
qualifier<br />
• Ranking points earned in at least one Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championship shall be included among the four National Ranking<br />
Tournaments that count for National ranking.<br />
G. Matches that Count in More than One Ranking Division or Category<br />
Matches that count in more than one ranking division or category.<br />
1. Results from tournaments that count for Adult National Open and<br />
Professional/Adult National Open rankings. Results from all of the<br />
tournaments that count for Adult National Open ranking may also count<br />
for Professional/Adult National Open rankings.<br />
2. Results from the NCAA Division I National Tournaments. Results from<br />
the following NCAA Division I National Tournaments shall be considered<br />
in both the Adult National Open and Professional/Adult National Open<br />
ranking categories and the Men’s and Women’s Collegiate - NCAA<br />
Division I ranking categories described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XII.D.:<br />
• ITA All-American Championships;<br />
• ITA National Indoor Championships; and<br />
• NCAA Division I National Championships.<br />
3. Results from <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 National Championships. Results<br />
from the <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 National Championships shall be<br />
considered in both the Adult National Open and Professional/Adult<br />
National Open ranking categories and the Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Divisions.<br />
H. National Adult/Senior and Family Ranking Committees<br />
1. <strong>USTA</strong> President shall establish National ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees. The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
President shall establish National ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees under the<br />
Adult/Senior Competition Committee to rank the categories and divisions<br />
that are required to be ranked under <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.B.3.-5. The<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> President may appoint an Adult/Senior and Family Ranking<br />
Coordinator to coordinate all National rankings in these divisions and<br />
categories. Subject to the approval of the <strong>USTA</strong> President, vacancies in<br />
the Adult/Senior and Family Ranking Coordinator position or on the<br />
ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees may be filled by the chairperson of the Adult/Senior<br />
Competition Committee. If the chairperson is unable to fill the vacancy,<br />
198 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.G. (Matches that Count in More than One…)
the Adult/Senior and Family Ranking Coordinator, subject to the approval<br />
of the <strong>USTA</strong> President, shall fill the vacancy.<br />
2. Committee size. Each ranking <strong>com</strong>mittee shall have at least two and no<br />
more than five members inclusive of its chairperson. If a ranking<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee has an even number of members, the Junior Ranking<br />
Coordinator may act as an additional member of the <strong>com</strong>mittee.<br />
3. Tentative rankings. This is the first ranking determined by a ranking<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee. The tentative rankings shall be made available to the tentative<br />
ranked players by January 15 of each year. These tentative rankings have<br />
no official standing until certified by the Adult/Senior and Family Ranking<br />
Review Board.<br />
4. Corrections and appeals must be received no later than February 5. Any<br />
corrections to a player’s record or any appeal to the tentative rankings<br />
must be received by the chairperson of the Adult/Senior and Family<br />
Ranking Review Board no later than February 5 of each year.<br />
I. Adult/Senior and Family National Ranking Review Board<br />
1. Composition. The Adult/Senior and Family National Ranking Review<br />
Board shall consist of a chairperson and two to four individual ranking<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee members all of whom shall be appointed by the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
President. If an appeal <strong>com</strong>es before the Adult/Senior and Family<br />
National Review Board in a division or category in which its chairperson<br />
is a member, the chairperson may not consider that appeal.<br />
2. Meetings. The Adult/Senior and Family National Ranking Review Board<br />
shall meet to finalize the tentative rankings in the Adult/Senior and Family<br />
Divisions. Meetings may be held by telephone conference call or other<br />
<strong>com</strong>munication equipment that allows all persons participating to hear<br />
each other.<br />
3. <strong>USTA</strong> staff shall provide relevant data. The <strong>USTA</strong> staff shall provide all<br />
relevant data to the Adult/Senior and Family National Ranking Review<br />
Board.<br />
4. Final rankings issued by March 1. These are the singles, doubles, and<br />
mixed doubles rankings in all Adult, Senior, and Family Divisions that<br />
have been certified as official <strong>USTA</strong> rankings by the Adult/Senior and<br />
Family Ranking Review Board and shall be subsequently published. The<br />
Adult/Senior and Family National Ranking Review Board shall issue the<br />
final rankings by March 1.<br />
J. Confidentiality of Ranking Information.<br />
Members of the ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees and the Adult/Senior and Family National<br />
Ranking Review Board shall not disclose any results of their deliberations or<br />
any other information concerning the rankings before their release by the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS X.J. (Confidentiality of Ranking Information) 199
XI. PROFESSIONAL RANKINGS<br />
A. Men’s Division<br />
Eligible players (see <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.C.) shall be ranked in the Professional<br />
Men’s singles and doubles divisions in the order in which their names appear<br />
on the year-end <strong>AT</strong>P ranking list.<br />
B. Women’s Division<br />
Eligible players (see <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.C.) shall be ranked in the Professional<br />
Women’s singles and doubles divisions in the order in which their names<br />
appear on the year-end WTA ranking list.<br />
C. Eligibility for National Ranking.<br />
Only the the following categories of persons are eligible to receive a National<br />
ranking:<br />
1. U.S. Citizens. Citizens of the United States.<br />
2. Certain aliens.<br />
• Permanent resident aliens. Permanent resident aliens of the United<br />
States.<br />
• Diplomats. Aliens who have resided in the United States<br />
continuously for more than one year and who are members of<br />
families of persons in the diplomatic or consular corps.<br />
• Aliens with Refugee Status. Aliens who have been granted Refugee<br />
Status.<br />
• Aliens with Asylee Status. Aliens who have been granted Asylee<br />
Status.<br />
• Aliens with Temporary Protected Status. Aliens who have been<br />
granted Temporary Protected Status.<br />
• Aliens with Adjustment Status. Aliens whose I-485 (Application to<br />
Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status) has been accepted<br />
for filing.<br />
• British Columbians. Canadian citizens and landed Canadian<br />
immigrants who reside in British Columbia.<br />
D. Review<br />
Professional rankings are not subject to review or appeal.<br />
200 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XI.A. (Men’s Division)
XII. COLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E AND SCHOLASTIC TOURNAMENTS<br />
AND COLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E RANKINGS<br />
A. A Method for Making the Draw<br />
1. Separating players from same schools. When a scholastic or<br />
collegiate draw involves players from the same school or university,<br />
such entries shall be placed in separate halves or quarters, as evenly as<br />
possible, depending upon the number of entries from that school or<br />
university.<br />
2. Distribution of byes. Byes shall be distributed among the seeded players<br />
in the order of their seeding. If the number of byes exceeds the number<br />
of seeded players and if less than one player for each four lines on the<br />
draw sheet has been seeded, then the byes shall be placed as though one<br />
player for each four lines on the draw sheet had been seeded. Any<br />
remaining byes shall be placed as provided in the <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations.<br />
B. Scoring<br />
1. Championship rounds.<br />
a. Main draw. Two points for each match won.<br />
b. Third-place play-off. One-half point for play-off for third and fourth<br />
place if feed-in is used through the quarterfinal round; but, no<br />
points for play-off for third and fourth place if feed-in through<br />
quarterfinals is not used.<br />
c. Byes. If a player receives a bye in the first round, 4 points are given<br />
only if the second-round match is won.<br />
d. Defaults. A default shall always be considered as a match won and<br />
points awarded accordingly.<br />
2. Consolation rounds with feed-in through the quarters.<br />
a. Matches played. One point for each match won.<br />
b. Byes. If player receives a first-round bye, one point is given if the<br />
second-round match is won.<br />
c. Defaults. In all instances a default shall be considered as a match<br />
won and points awarded accordingly.<br />
3. Consolation rounds with no feed-in through quarters. One-quarter point<br />
for loser of finals and one-half point for winner of finals.<br />
4. Ties. In the event of a tie, co-titles shall be awarded.<br />
C. Eligibility for National Ranking.<br />
Only the the following categories of persons are eligible to receive a National<br />
ranking:<br />
1. U.S. Citizens. Citizens of the United States.<br />
2. Certain aliens.<br />
• Permanent resident aliens. Permanent resident aliens of the United<br />
States.<br />
• Diplomats. Aliens who have resided in the United States<br />
continuously for more than one year and who are members of<br />
families of persons in the diplomatic or consular corps.<br />
• Aliens with Refugee Status. Aliens who have been granted Refugee<br />
Status.<br />
• Aliens with Asylee Status. Aliens who have been granted Asylee<br />
Status.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XII. C. (Eligibility for National Ranking) 201
• Aliens with Temporary Protected Status. Aliens who have been<br />
granted Temporary Protected Status.<br />
• Aliens with Adjustment Status. Aliens whose I-485 (Application to<br />
Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status) has been accepted<br />
for filing.<br />
• British Columbians. Canadian citizens and landed Canadian<br />
immigrants who reside in British Columbia.<br />
D. Collegiate Rankings<br />
Eligible players shall be ranked in the following Collegiate Men’s and Women’s<br />
singles and team doubles divisions in the order in which their names appear<br />
on the academic year-end ITA ranking lists.<br />
• Men’s and Women’s Collegiate – NCAA Division I<br />
• Men’s and Women’s Collegiate – NCAA Division II<br />
• Men’s and Women’s Collegiate – NCAA Division III<br />
• Men’s and Women’s Collegiate – NAIA (National Association of<br />
Intercollegiate Athletics)<br />
• Men’s and Women’s Collegiate – NJCAA (National Junior College<br />
Athletic Association)<br />
The Collegiate ranking period shall be June 1 to May 31.<br />
Results from the following NCAA Division I National Tournaments shall be<br />
considered in both the Men’s and Women’s Collegiate—NCAA Division I<br />
ranking categories and the Adult National Open and the Professional/Adult<br />
National Open ranking categories described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations X.B.1. and<br />
X.B.2.:<br />
• ITA All-American Championships<br />
• ITA National Indoor Championships<br />
• NCAA Division I National Championships<br />
Collegiate rankings are not subject to review or appeal.<br />
202 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XII.D. (Collegiate Rankings)
XIII. WHEELCHAIR N<strong>AT</strong>IONAL TOURNAMENTS AND RANKINGS<br />
A. Wheelchair National Tournament Regulations<br />
1. Overview of Wheelchair National Tournament System. Annually the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
shall publish the National Wheelchair Tournament Schedule, which shall<br />
include the following tournaments:<br />
a. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championships. The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
shall sanction at least one Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National<br />
Championship in each of the following divisions:<br />
• Men’s, Women’s, and Quad Open<br />
• Men’s, Women’s, and Quad A<br />
• Men’s and Women’s B<br />
• Men’s C<br />
• Junior Open/A (18 & Under)<br />
• Senior Open/A (40 & Over) Doubles<br />
• Senior B/C (40 & Over) Doubles<br />
These tournaments may be held on hard, clay, or indoor<br />
surfaces.<br />
b. Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair Tournaments. Category II <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Wheelchair Tournaments are tournaments sanctioned by Sectional<br />
Associations that are selected by the Wheelchair Tennis Committee<br />
and the <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department for inclusion on the<br />
National Wheelchair Tournament Schedule. The Wheelchair Tennis<br />
Committee, in consultation with the <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play<br />
Department, shall determine the selection criteria. These<br />
tournaments shall <strong>com</strong>ply with <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations XIII.A.3.a-e.,<br />
g., and h., unless the tournament has been sanctioned by the ITF,<br />
in which case it shall be played under the ITF Regulations for<br />
Wheelchair Tennis.<br />
At least one Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair Tournament shall be<br />
selected for the National Wheelchair Tournament Schedule in each<br />
of the divisions listed in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIII.A.1.a.<br />
c. ITF wheelchair tournaments. The <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department<br />
shall determine criteria for selecting ITF wheelchair tournaments to<br />
be placed on the National Wheelchair Tournament Schedule.<br />
FAC Comment XIII.A-1: All of the Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National<br />
Championships and the Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair Tournaments in the<br />
Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and Quad Open Divisions are also sanctioned<br />
by the ITF and are played under the ITF Regulations for Wheelchair Tennis.<br />
2. National Seeding Lists. At least monthly, the <strong>USTA</strong> shall publish National<br />
Seeding Lists in each Wheelchair Division. The Wheelchair Tennis<br />
Committee shall determine the criteria for inclusion on the National<br />
Seeding Lists.<br />
FAC Comment XIII.A-2: The Wheelchair Tennis Committee has established<br />
the following criteria for inclusion on the National Seeding Lists:<br />
• Players must have a current <strong>USTA</strong> membership; and<br />
• Players must have played in at least two tournaments and had<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIII.A. (Wheelchair National Tournament Regulations) 203
at least one win in the 12-month period preceding the<br />
publication of the List.<br />
3. Tournament regulations for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National<br />
Championships. All Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championships<br />
that are sanctioned by the ITF shall be played under ITF wheelchair<br />
tournament regulations and shall follow the requirements listed below<br />
when they are not inconsistent with ITF Regulations for Wheelchair<br />
Tennis. Any Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship that is not<br />
sanctioned by the ITF shall have the following requirements.<br />
a. Citizenship not required. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National<br />
Championships shall be open to citizens and non-citizens.<br />
b. Singles and doubles draws. Each Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Wheelchair Championship shall be required to offer singles and<br />
doubles in the divisions for which the tournament has been<br />
sanctioned, except for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National<br />
Championships in the Senior Open/A (40 & Over) Doubles and<br />
Senior B/C (40 & Over) Doubles Divisions, which are only required<br />
to hold doubles.<br />
i. Draw sizes. Draw sizes shall be determined by the<br />
Tournament Committee. Selection for draws with limited<br />
draw sizes shall be done as set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
I.H.4., except that the Tournament Committee has discretion<br />
to conduct a qualifying draw. Wild cards may not be<br />
awarded.<br />
ii. Singles consolation draw, <strong>com</strong>pass draw, or round robin<br />
required. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National<br />
Championships shall include consolation draws in singles.<br />
The Wheelchair Tennis Committee shall specify the<br />
consolation format that shall be used.<br />
FAC Comment XIII.A-3: The Wheelchair Tennis Committee has authorized<br />
the use of Feed-In Championship, Modified Feed-In Championship, First<br />
Match Losers Consolation, and First Round Losers Consolation at<br />
Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Wheelchair Championships.<br />
iii. Playoff for third place. The Tournament Committee shall<br />
determine whether a playoff for third place shall be offered<br />
and shall publish the information on the website by the time<br />
it is prepared to receive entries. If the match is offered,<br />
players must play the match unless failure to do so is<br />
attributable to injury, illness, or personal emergency.<br />
For the purpose of determining scheduling in <strong>com</strong>pliance<br />
with <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIII.A.3.g.ii. below, the playoff<br />
matches are considered part of the main draw.<br />
c. Seeding. The seeding method shall be determined by the<br />
Tournament Committee and shall be either the All-Factors Method<br />
of seeding described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.A.4.a. or the<br />
204 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIII.A. (Wheelchair National Tournament Regulations)
Computerized List Method described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.A.4.b.<br />
If the Computerized List Method of seeding is used, the<br />
Tournament Committee shall use the most recently published<br />
National Seeding List to order the seeds. However, when a<br />
tournament in an Open Division receives entries from players or<br />
teams who have a ranking in the top 75 on the most recently<br />
published ITF ranking list, the players or teams shall be considered<br />
for seeding.<br />
d. Match formats. The Wheelchair Tennis Committee shall determine<br />
the match formats to be used in Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
National Championships. These match formats shall be published.<br />
FAC Comment XIII.A-4: The Wheelchair Tennis Committee has authorized<br />
the use of the following match formats in Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships and Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments:<br />
• The best of three tiebreak sets; or<br />
• The best of three tiebreak sets with a 10-Point Match Tiebreak<br />
in lieu of a 3rd set.<br />
Note: Match formats of tournaments sanctioned by the ITF are controlled<br />
by the ITF Regulations for Wheelchair Tennis.<br />
e. No-ad scoring may be used. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National<br />
Championships may use no-ad scoring.<br />
f. Playing semifinals, finals, and playoffs for third place on<br />
sanctioned surface. The semifinal, final, and third place playoff<br />
matches shall be played on the surface on which the tournament<br />
has been sanctioned unless more than 24 hours of inclement<br />
weather or other cause prevents these matches from being played<br />
on the sanctioned surface. For purposes of this regulation, the<br />
designation “hard courts” includes all types of hard courts and the<br />
designation “clay courts” includes all types of clay courts.<br />
g. Scheduling.<br />
i. Limit on number of matches per day. The scheduling<br />
guidelines in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation II.D.12. and Table 7 are<br />
mandatory for all Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National<br />
Championships, except that they shall not apply to<br />
tournaments that are required to use the ITF Regulations for<br />
Wheelchair Tennis.<br />
ii. Order of play. Rounds in the main draw should take<br />
precedence over consolation rounds, except that a player may<br />
be required to play one consolation singles match before the<br />
main draw doubles match. For example, the second<br />
consolation singles of the day for any player should be<br />
scheduled after the main draw doubles each day.<br />
h. Shortening tournaments. In the event of inclement weather, health<br />
concerns, or safety concerns, the Referee may use a match format<br />
not previously authorized for use at a Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
National Championship by the Wheelchair Tennis Committee. All<br />
matches in each round shall be played with the same match format.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIII.A. (Wheelchair National Tournament Regulations) 205
Note, however, the shortening of tournaments sanctioned by the ITF<br />
are controlled by the ITF Regulations for Wheelchair Tennis.<br />
i. Practice courts. One practice court for each 60 players in the<br />
tournament shall be available on the day before the start of the<br />
tournament and on each day during the tournament; however, in<br />
no event shall more than two practice courts be required.<br />
B. Wheelchair National Rankings<br />
1. Divisions ranked. The <strong>USTA</strong> shall issue rankings in the following<br />
divisions:<br />
• Men’s, Women’s, and Quad Open<br />
• Men’s Women’s, and Quad A<br />
• Men’s and Women’s B<br />
• Men’s C<br />
• Junior Open/A (18 & Under)<br />
• Senior Open/A (40 & Over)<br />
• Senior Open/A (40 & Over) Doubles<br />
• Senior B/C (40 & Over) Doubles<br />
2. Eligibility for National ranking. Only the following categories of persons<br />
are eligible to receive a National ranking:<br />
a. U.S. Citizens. Citizens of the United States.<br />
b. Certain aliens.<br />
• Permanent resident aliens. Permanent resident aliens of the<br />
United States.<br />
• Diplomats. Aliens who have resided in the United States<br />
continuously for more than one year and who are members<br />
of families of persons in the diplomatic or consular corps.<br />
• Aliens with Refugee Status. Aliens who have been granted<br />
Refugee Status.<br />
• Aliens with Asylee Status. Aliens who have been granted<br />
Asylee Status.<br />
• Aliens with Temporary Protected Status. Aliens who have<br />
been granted Temporary Protected Status.<br />
• Aliens with Adjustment Status. Aliens whose I-485<br />
(Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust<br />
Status) has been accepted for filing.<br />
• British Columbians. Canadian citizens and landed Canadian<br />
immigrants who reside in British Columbia.<br />
FAC Comment XIII.B-1: Documents <strong>com</strong>monly used to support a particular<br />
alien status include a permanent resident alien card (green card), Form I-94,<br />
and a receipt confirming filing of the I-485.<br />
3. Wheelchair ranking period. The Wheelchair ranking period for all players<br />
and teams shall be January 1 through December 31.<br />
4. National Ranking Tournaments and Matches.<br />
a. National Ranking Tournaments. The following tournaments shall<br />
be known as National Ranking Tournaments and only results from<br />
these tournaments played during the Wheelchair ranking period<br />
shall be considered for Wheelchair National rankings:<br />
206 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIII.B. (Wheelchair National Rankings)
• Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Wheelchair Championships<br />
• Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair Tournaments<br />
• Sectional Ranking Tournaments (as defined in <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation XIII.B.5.)<br />
• ITF tournaments listed on the National Wheelchair<br />
Tournament Schedule that are not Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Wheelchair Championships, Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
Tournaments, or Sectional Ranking Tournaments<br />
b. National Ranking Matches. National Ranking Matches are matches<br />
in ITF tournaments not listed on the National Wheelchair<br />
Tournament Schedule between players who meet the eligibility<br />
requirements of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIII.B.2. that are reported to the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department. These matches shall be<br />
considered for ranking.<br />
FAC Comment XIII.B-2: An example of a National Ranking Match is a match<br />
played in the US Open Wheelchair Championships (NY). Players should report<br />
results of matches in ITF tournaments not listed on the National Wheelchair<br />
Tournament Schedule to the <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department, 70 West Red<br />
Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604.<br />
Singles<br />
Doubles<br />
TABLE 23<br />
Minimum Participation Requirements for Wheelchair National Ranking<br />
Division<br />
Men’s Open<br />
Men’s A, B, and C<br />
Women’s Open<br />
Women’s A<br />
Quad Open and Quad A<br />
Women’s B<br />
Junior Open/A (18 & Under)<br />
Men’s Open<br />
Men’s A, B , and C<br />
Women’s Open<br />
Women’s A<br />
Quad Open and Quad A<br />
Women’s B<br />
Junior Open/A (18 & Under)<br />
Senior Open/A (40 & Over)<br />
Senior B/C (40 & Over)<br />
Minimum Tournament Requirements*<br />
4 tournaments, 2 of which must be Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
National Championships or Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
Tournaments<br />
3 tournaments, 1 of which must be a Category I <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Wheelchair National Championship or a Category II <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Wheelchair Tournament<br />
2 tournaments, 1 of which must be a Category I <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Wheelchair National Championship or a Category II <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Wheelchair Tournament<br />
3 tournaments, 2 of which must be Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
National Championships or Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
Tournaments<br />
2 tournaments, 1 of which must be a Category I <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Wheelchair National Championship or a Category II <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Wheelchair Tournament<br />
* Tournaments must be played in the applicable division. For example, only Open Division<br />
tournaments count toward meeting the minimum tournament participation requirements to receive<br />
an Open ranking. Players must play at least one point in a match in a tournament to receive credit for<br />
participation.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIII.B. (Wheelchair National Rankings) 207
Table 24<br />
Relative Ranking Weights for Wheelchair Tournaments<br />
Tournament or Match Considered for Ranking Draw<br />
Relative<br />
Weight<br />
• Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Main Draw 75<br />
Championships; Consolation 70<br />
and Qualifier 75<br />
• ITF tournaments on the National Wheelchair<br />
Tournament Schedule that are neither Category II<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair Tournaments nor Sectional<br />
Ranking Tournaments.*<br />
*The Florida Open is an example of an ITF tournament that<br />
receives the greatest weight.<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair Tournaments Main Draw 60<br />
Consolation 55<br />
Qualifier 60<br />
Sectional Ranking Tournaments Main Draw 50<br />
National Ranking Matches Consolation 45<br />
Qualifier 50<br />
5. Sectional Ranking Tournaments. Sectional Ranking Tournaments are<br />
Wheelchair tournaments sanctioned by the Sectional or District<br />
Associations that have not been selected to be Category II <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Wheelchair Tournaments in the following divisions:<br />
• Men’s, Women’s, and Quad Open<br />
• Men’s, Women’s, and Quad A<br />
• Men’s and Women’s B<br />
• Men’s C<br />
• Junior Open/A (18 & Under)<br />
• Senior Open/A (40 & Over) Doubles<br />
• Senior B/C (40 & Over) Doubles<br />
6. Minimum ranking requirements. All singles players and doubles teams<br />
meeting the following participation and win requirements shall be ranked<br />
in singles or doubles.<br />
a. Minimum tournament participation requirements. Minimum<br />
tournament participation requirements for a Wheelchair National<br />
ranking in singles or doubles are listed in Table 23.<br />
b. One win required. Singles players and doubles teams must have at<br />
least one win in a National Ranking Tournament to be considered<br />
for ranking.<br />
7. Relative ranking weights. The relative ranking weights are listed in<br />
Table 24.<br />
8. Matches may count in only one division. No match may count for<br />
ranking in more than one division. If divisions are <strong>com</strong>bined and a player<br />
is placed in a higher division, the player shall receive participation credit<br />
for the division in which the player played.<br />
208 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIII.B. (Wheelchair National Rankings)
FAC Comment XIII.B.2: If the Men’s Wheelchair B and C Divisions are<br />
<strong>com</strong>bined in a tournament, the tournament shall be considered a B Division<br />
event. Wins and losses shall count toward a B Division ranking only and the<br />
player shall receive participation credit for the B Division only.<br />
9. Treatment of defaults, withdrawals, walkovers, and retirements. The<br />
treatment of defaults, withdrawals, walkovers, and retirements shall be<br />
as set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation VIII.C.1.a.-c.<br />
10. Corrections. Wheelchair singles and doubles player records shall be<br />
published on the Internet on an ongoing basis. Wheelchair players<br />
should check their records and submit verifiable additions and<br />
corrections to the Wheelchair Ranking Coordinator. Each player who has<br />
<strong>com</strong>peted against another <strong>USTA</strong> player in an ITF-sanctioned tournament<br />
shall report the verifiable results to the Wheelchair Ranking Coordinator.<br />
Wheelchair rankings are done by <strong>com</strong>puter and are not subject to<br />
positional protest or appeal.<br />
C. Wheelchair National Ranking Committees<br />
1. <strong>USTA</strong> President shall establish National ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees. The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
President shall establish National ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees under the<br />
Wheelchair Tennis Committee to rank the divisions that are required to<br />
be ranked under <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIII.B.1. The <strong>USTA</strong> President may<br />
appoint a Wheelchair Ranking Coordinator to coordinate all National<br />
rankings in these divisions. Subject to the approval of the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
President, vacancies in the Wheelchair Ranking Coordinator position or<br />
on the ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees may be filled by the chairperson of the<br />
Wheelchair Tennis Committee. If the chairperson is unable to fill the<br />
vacancy, the Wheelchair Ranking Coordinator, subject to the approval of<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> President, shall fill the vacancy.<br />
2. Committee size. Each ranking <strong>com</strong>mittee shall have at least two and no<br />
more than five members inclusive of its chairperson. If a ranking<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee has an even number of members, the Wheelchair Ranking<br />
Coordinator may act as an additional member of the <strong>com</strong>mittee.<br />
3. Confidentiality of ranking information. Members of the ranking<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittees shall not disclose any results of their deliberations or any<br />
other information concerning the rankings before their release by the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIII.C. (Wheelchair National Ranking Committees) 209
XIV. MEDALS AND PRIZES<br />
A. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Balls<br />
Gold balls shall be awarded to the winners, silver balls to the runners-up, and<br />
bronze balls to the third-place playoff winners in:<br />
1. <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships in Junior Divisions.<br />
2. All Category I Adult, Senior, and Family National Championships listed<br />
in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations X.A.1.a. and b.<br />
3. Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championships, except that<br />
bronze balls shall be awarded at a tournament only if the tournament<br />
website states that a third-place payoff will be held.<br />
B. Gold Davis Cup Insignia<br />
Gold Davis Cup insignia shall be awarded to the captain and each member of<br />
a United States Davis Cup Team nominated to represent the United States in<br />
the Final Round and to the captain and each nominated member of the<br />
opposing team.<br />
C. Gold Fed Cup Charm<br />
A gold Fed Cup charm shall be awarded to the captain and each member of a<br />
United States Fed Cup Team.<br />
D. Restrictions on Trophy and Award Presentations<br />
It is the policy of the <strong>USTA</strong> not to accept trophies or awards bearing the name<br />
of a <strong>com</strong>mercial or business concern and not to permit the presentation of<br />
any such trophy or award at <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships.<br />
210 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIV.A. (Gold, Silver, and Bronze Balls)
XV. <strong>USTA</strong> LEAGUE<br />
A. Description<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> League shall consist of team <strong>com</strong>petition for men and women with<br />
advancement from local <strong>com</strong>petition to Sectional and National <strong>com</strong>petition to<br />
determine annually a championship team in each approved level of <strong>com</strong>petition.<br />
B. Rating System<br />
The official system used to determine the levels of <strong>com</strong>petition shall be a rating<br />
system approved by the Board.<br />
C. Eligibility<br />
Any individual who <strong>com</strong>petes in a <strong>USTA</strong> League must be a current member of<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> in good standing and be domiciled within the boundaries of a <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Sectional Association or participate through a <strong>USTA</strong> Direct Member Club.<br />
1. Adult Leagues. Any individual <strong>com</strong>peting in the adult league shall have<br />
reached the age of 18 years before or during the calendar year in which<br />
the player plays the player’s first local league match.<br />
2. Senior Leagues. Any individual <strong>com</strong>peting in the senior league shall<br />
have reached the age of 50 years before or during the calendar year in<br />
which the player plays the player’s first local league match.<br />
3. Super Senior Leagues. Any individual <strong>com</strong>peting in a super senior<br />
league shall have reached the age of 60 years before or during the<br />
calender year in which the player plays the first local league match.<br />
D. Authority for Committee to Adopt <strong>USTA</strong> League Regulations<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> League shall be conducted in accordance with the <strong>USTA</strong> League<br />
Regulations, which shall include grievance procedures for league matters, as<br />
adopted and amended by a <strong>com</strong>mittee appointed by the <strong>USTA</strong> President and in<br />
accordance with procedures determined and approved by the Board.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XV.D. (Authority for Committee to Adopt League…) 211
XVI. <strong>USTA</strong> JR. TEAM TENNIS<br />
A. Description<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis program shall consist of coed team <strong>com</strong>petition<br />
for boys and girls with advancement from local <strong>com</strong>petition to District,<br />
Sectional, and National <strong>com</strong>petition to determine annually a championship<br />
team at each level.<br />
B. Eligibility<br />
Any individual who <strong>com</strong>petes in the <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis program shall be a<br />
current member of the <strong>USTA</strong>. Any individual <strong>com</strong>peting in <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team<br />
Tennis shall be 18 years of age or under.<br />
C. Authority for Committee to Adopt <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis Regulations<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis program shall be conducted in accordance with<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis Regulations that include grievance procedures as<br />
adopted and amended by a <strong>com</strong>mittee appointed by the <strong>USTA</strong> President and<br />
in accordance with procedures determined and approved by the Board.<br />
FAC Comment XVI.C-1: <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis Regulations authorize play<br />
on smaller courts that are either 36 feet long or 60 feet long. They also<br />
authorize play with different rackets and balls. Figure 9 shows the<br />
dimensions of a 36-foot court and Figure 10 shows the dimensions of a<br />
60-foot court. See the <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis Regulations for specifics.<br />
212 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVI.A. (Description)
XVII. SANCTIONING<br />
A. General Information<br />
1. Meaning of sanctioning. The <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioning process is intended to aid<br />
the public, the player, and the tennis promoter. It helps to assure<br />
uniformity of the rules of play; it permits the ranking of players on a basis<br />
of an accepted standard; it encourages an orderly schedule of<br />
tournaments that ac<strong>com</strong>modates the reasonable needs of players,<br />
promoters, and sponsors; and it fosters the aim of providing the public<br />
with tennis of high caliber and ethical standards.<br />
Sanctioning indicates that the tournament:<br />
• Is an official <strong>USTA</strong>-approved tournament;<br />
• Agrees to follow the ITF Rules of Tennis;<br />
• Agrees to follow <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations; and<br />
• Results will be considered by the applicable <strong>USTA</strong> National,<br />
Sectional, District, or local ranking <strong>com</strong>mittees if the applicable<br />
ranking regulations authorize the results to be considered.<br />
2. Definition of tournament. Tournament refers to all forms of <strong>com</strong>petition,<br />
including, but not limited to, tournaments, championships, team<br />
championships, matches, exhibitions, events, intersectionals,<br />
international <strong>com</strong>petitions, and zonals. Tournaments are classified as<br />
amateur, professional, or open.<br />
3. Applicant must be Organization Member. Only an Organization Member<br />
may apply for a sanction to hold a tournament. The person submitting<br />
the application must be authorized to do so by the Organization Member.<br />
4. Discrimination not allowed. Tournament sanctions shall be awarded and<br />
sanctioned tournaments shall be conducted without regard to race,<br />
creed, color, national origin, or sexual orientation. By submitting an<br />
application to sanction a tournament, the applicant agrees that it will not<br />
discriminate against any participant because of the participant’s race,<br />
creed, color, national origin, or sexual orientation, except that entries into<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships are limited to US citizens and<br />
certain aliens (see <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.2.) and except that Sectional<br />
Associations, District Associations, and subdivisions of Sectional<br />
Associations may limit entry in some tournaments to U.S. citizens and<br />
certain aliens residing in their territory. A violation of this provision may<br />
result in a refusal to issue any further sanctions to the applicant.<br />
5. Submission of application. Most applications must be submitted online.<br />
The entity that is responsible for approving the sanction (<strong>USTA</strong> Board,<br />
appropriate <strong>USTA</strong> <strong>com</strong>petition <strong>com</strong>mittee, Sectional Association, District<br />
Association, or subdivision of a Sectional Association) may require the<br />
applicant to submit information in addition to information submitted in<br />
the online application. When online application is not available, the<br />
applicant shall submit the sanction application to the entity that is<br />
responsible for approving the application. All Organization Members that<br />
submit an application agree to run tournaments pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations.<br />
FAC Comment XVII.A-1: Applications for sanctions for tournaments that are<br />
approved by Sectional Associations, District Associations, and subdivisions of<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVII.A. (General Information) 213
Sectional Associations are submitted online. Applications for <strong>USTA</strong> Junior<br />
National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments, and <strong>USTA</strong> International<br />
Tournaments are submitted to the Junior Competition Committee through an<br />
online bid process. Applications for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships are submitted to the Adult/Senior Competition<br />
Committee through an online process or on an offer and contract form.<br />
Applications for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championships are<br />
submitted to the Wheelchair Tennis Committee through an online process or<br />
on an offer and contract form.<br />
6. Payment of sanction fee. The sanction fee for a tournament for which<br />
online application is available is generally paid electronically to the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
Once the sanction is approved, the <strong>USTA</strong> directs the fee to the proper<br />
recipient. In all other cases the sanction fee is paid to the appropriate<br />
<strong>com</strong>petition <strong>com</strong>mittee or the Sectional Association, District Association,<br />
or subdivision of a Sectional Association that approves the sanction.<br />
7. Issuance of sanction. When a Sectional Association, a District<br />
Association, or subdivision of a Sectional Association issues a sanction,<br />
the entity issuing the sanction shall send notice of approval of the<br />
sanction to the <strong>USTA</strong> Legal Department.<br />
8. Use of <strong>USTA</strong> name in reference to tournament. The Organization Member<br />
that holds the sanction and sponsors a <strong>USTA</strong>-sanctioned tournament<br />
may use the name, initials, and logo of the <strong>USTA</strong> to the extent<br />
determined by the <strong>USTA</strong> .<br />
9. Use of certified officials re<strong>com</strong>mended in sanctioned tournaments. The<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> re<strong>com</strong>mends that every on-court official, Referee, Roving Umpire,<br />
and Chief Umpire be certified in accordance with <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation VII.<br />
in the appropriate classification.<br />
10. <strong>USTA</strong> does not assume financial responsibility for tournaments. The<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> does not assume financial responsibility for any tournament. Any<br />
loss incurred shall be the sole responsibility of the sanction holder.<br />
11. Sanction will not be issued if prior sanction fee is delinquent. A sanction<br />
shall not be approved if the applicant, promoter, Organization Member,<br />
or other person or entity directly or indirectly owning or controlling the<br />
tournament is delinquent in the payment of any sanction fee charged for<br />
a sanction previously applied for and issued, unless the delinquent<br />
sanction fee is paid or the <strong>USTA</strong> Committee, Sectional Association,<br />
District Association, or subdivision of a Sectional Association that<br />
approved the sanction waives the delinquency.<br />
12. Specification in title of whether tournament is open to professionals, an<br />
invitational, or a closed tournament. The titles of junior tournaments do<br />
not need to include the word amateur because, with the exceptions of the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, which are open to professionals (see<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IX.A.9.b.), only amateurs may play in junior<br />
tournaments. <strong>USTA</strong> tournaments other than junior tournaments should<br />
specify in the title whether the tournament is open to amateurs only,<br />
professionals only, or both. Absence of any designation in the title means<br />
that the tournament is open to both amateurs and professionals,<br />
214 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVII.A. (General Information)
although for clarity, the word “Open” should be included when<br />
applicable. The word “Invitational” in the title means that tournament<br />
entry is by invitation only. The word “Closed” in the title means that<br />
tournament entry is restricted to a specific geographic area. Absence of<br />
any designation in the title usually means that the tournament is not an<br />
invitational and is open to players from all areas.<br />
13. Definition of gross revenues. For purposes of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII.,<br />
gross revenues means all monies received for:<br />
• Entry fees;<br />
• Admissions to the grounds, courts, and stands after deduction of<br />
governmental and municipal taxes;<br />
• Sales of advertising less direct expenses; and<br />
• Contributions from whatever sources, including sponsors.<br />
For junior tournaments, the entry fees, donations, and contributions<br />
shall not be counted in the gross revenues test.<br />
14. Tournament may lose sanction if it does not <strong>com</strong>ply with <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation XVII. and the terms of the sanction. The failure of a<br />
tournament to <strong>com</strong>ply with any requirement of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII.<br />
or any other condition imposed by the body issuing the sanction may<br />
result in forfeiture of the sanction.<br />
B. <strong>USTA</strong> League and <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis Approved Without Necessity of<br />
Sanction<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> League and <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis are hereby approved by the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
without any sanction application.<br />
C. Sectional and District Tournaments and Leagues other than <strong>USTA</strong> League<br />
and <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis<br />
1. Sanction approval. Sectional Associations approve the sanctions for:<br />
• Tournaments (See definition in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII.A.2.) that<br />
are not approved by <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII.B. or subject to the bid<br />
process of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations XVII.D.-E.;<br />
• Leagues (other than <strong>USTA</strong> Leagues and <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis) if<br />
the league wants the matches played during the season to count<br />
for ranking;<br />
• Intra-Organization Member Tournaments in which the Organization<br />
Member wants the matches to count for ranking; and<br />
• Intercollegiate and interscholastic tournaments. These<br />
tournaments do not have to be sanctioned but may be sanctioned<br />
with or without a sanction fee being charged.<br />
A Sectional Association may delegate the sanction approval process to<br />
its District Associations or subdivisions.<br />
2. Sanction fees. A Sectional Association shall set the sanction fees, if any,<br />
and may delegate the setting of sanction fees to its District Associations<br />
or subdivisions.<br />
3. Rights for sanctioned prize money tournaments over $5000. The<br />
television, cable, satellite, internet, radio, film, and video rights for all<br />
sanctioned prize money tournaments over $5000 shall, unless the<br />
Sectional Association is notified otherwise by the Tournament<br />
Committee at least 120 days before the start of the tournament or at the<br />
time of filing of the sanction application, whichever is later, be reserved<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVII.C. (Sectional and District Tournaments and…) 215
y the <strong>USTA</strong> to facilitate the sale of these rights on a national or<br />
multi-event basis. The net proceeds of the sale of these rights shall be<br />
divided 80% to the tournament and 20% to the Sectional Association.<br />
D. <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regional Tournaments, and <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments (other than the<br />
US Open and those <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships that are Awarded by the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Board)<br />
1. Primary host site shall be Organization Member. The primary host site of<br />
each <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship, <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National<br />
Championship, <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournament, and <strong>USTA</strong> International<br />
Tournament shall be an Organization Member.<br />
2. Sectional Association must approve sanction. The appropriate<br />
<strong>com</strong>petition <strong>com</strong>mittee shall consider only those applications that have<br />
the approval of the Sectional Association of the site.<br />
3. Sanctioning process.<br />
a. Application requirements. The applicant shall submit the<br />
application on the <strong>USTA</strong>-approved form.<br />
• Applicants for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
National Championships and Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair<br />
National Championships shall also submit a <strong>com</strong>plete<br />
description of the applicant’s facilities, proposed tournament<br />
organization, and such other information as may be pertinent<br />
in considering <strong>com</strong>peting bids.<br />
• Applicants for <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regional Tournaments, and <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments<br />
may submit or be asked to submit other information in<br />
support of their applications.<br />
FAC Comment XVII.D-1: The online sanction application does not gather<br />
certain information on the form. For example, it does not ask for detailed<br />
information on the proposed site, tournament organization, amenities provided<br />
to players, and hotels. If an online sanction application form is used, this<br />
additional information is submitted in writing to the <strong>com</strong>petition <strong>com</strong>mittee.<br />
b. Application deadline. The deadline for an application submitted to<br />
the Adult/Senior Competition Committee or the Wheelchair Tennis<br />
Committee is August 1 of the year before the start of the<br />
tournament. The Junior Competition Committee shall set the<br />
application deadline for tournaments submitted to it and shall<br />
notify the Sectional Associations and existing sanction holders of<br />
the deadline by January 1.<br />
FAC Comment XVII.D-2: The <strong>USTA</strong> staff is responsible for publicizing the<br />
process for submitting applications for National tournaments and the<br />
deadline by which applications are due. Generally, this information is<br />
published on the <strong>USTA</strong> website, is sent to existing sanction holders, and is<br />
sent to Sectional Associations who are asked to forward the information to<br />
their Organization Members.<br />
216 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVII.D. (<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong>…)
c. Submission to appropriate <strong>com</strong>petition <strong>com</strong>mittee. Applicants<br />
shall submit the application to the appropriate <strong>com</strong>petition<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee for consideration and approval or disapproval.<br />
• Junior. Organization Members shall submit applications for<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> Regional<br />
Tournaments, and <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments to the<br />
Junior Competition Committee.<br />
• Adult, Senior, and Family. Organization Members shall<br />
submit applications for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Adult, Senior, and<br />
Family National Championships to the Adult/Senior<br />
Competition Committee.<br />
• Wheelchair. Organization Members shall submit applications<br />
for Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championships to<br />
the Wheelchair Tennis Committee.<br />
d. Notice to <strong>com</strong>peting applicants of their right to appear before<br />
appropriate <strong>com</strong>petition <strong>com</strong>mittee. The chairperson or the<br />
chairperson’s designee shall inform all Organization Members of<br />
<strong>com</strong>peting applications and may require them to submit additional<br />
information in order to consider the <strong>com</strong>peting applications.<br />
Representatives of all Organization Members shall be permitted to<br />
appear in person, by proxy, or by electronic means to make<br />
presentations to the <strong>com</strong>mittee in support of their applications at<br />
all meetings in which applications are considered.<br />
e. Approval of sanctions. The appropriate <strong>com</strong>petition <strong>com</strong>mittee<br />
shall review the applications and then approve or disapprove them<br />
as soon as possible after the application deadline. Upon approval<br />
of a sanction, the chairperson or the chairperson’s designee shall<br />
notify the successful applicants.<br />
f. Tournament contract. No sanction approval shall be considered<br />
final until the Organization Member <strong>com</strong>pletes and returns a<br />
tournament contract in the form approved by the appropriate<br />
<strong>com</strong>petition <strong>com</strong>mittee and payment of the sanction fee (see <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation XVII.D.4.) has been received.<br />
g. Right of <strong>USTA</strong> Board to assume responsibility for sanctioning<br />
process. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the <strong>USTA</strong> Board may, at<br />
its discretion, assume the responsibilities of a <strong>com</strong>petition<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee to sanction a <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship or <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Junior National Championship.<br />
4. Sanction fees.<br />
a. Championship in which prize money is not offered. The sanction<br />
fee for a <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championship or a <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championship in which prize money is not offered shall be $100<br />
per national championship division, which amount is to<br />
ac<strong>com</strong>pany the application.<br />
b. Sanction fee for championship in which prize money is offered. If<br />
prize money is offered, the sanction fee is $100 per division or 1%<br />
of the prize money, whichever is greater. However, unless <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation XVII.F.2. applies, the fee shall not exceed $2000.<br />
c. <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments and <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVII.D. (<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong>…) 217
The sanction fees for <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments and <strong>USTA</strong><br />
International Tournaments shall be $100 per tournament. The<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> shall rebate the sanction fees to the Sectional Associations in<br />
which the tournaments are held.<br />
5. Tournament titles for <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Junior<br />
National Championships. The applicable <strong>com</strong>petition <strong>com</strong>mittee<br />
establishes the title for <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Junior<br />
National Championships under its jurisdiction. The title shall include,<br />
where applicable, the age, sex, surface, and any other divisions of the<br />
tournament. The initials <strong>USTA</strong> shall be used in identifying <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships, except that<br />
the initials US only may be used in identifying the US Open.<br />
FAC Comment XVII.D-3: The following are examples of titles for these<br />
tournaments: <strong>USTA</strong> Girls’ 18 National Championships; <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Women’s 35 Hard Court Championships; and <strong>USTA</strong> National Indoor ROHO<br />
Gateway Classic.<br />
6. Tournament titles for <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments and <strong>USTA</strong><br />
International Tournaments. The title of a <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournament<br />
may include the initials <strong>USTA</strong>. The titles of <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments<br />
and <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments are subject to the approval of the<br />
Junior Competition Committee.<br />
7. Television, cable, satellite, internet, radio, film, and video rights. The<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> reserves all television, cable, satellite, internet, radio, film, and<br />
video rights for all <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Junior<br />
National Championships. If the <strong>USTA</strong> relinquishes these rights and they<br />
are subsequently sold and if no other arrangements have been mutually<br />
agreed to before the award of the sanction, the gross proceeds shall be<br />
divided between the <strong>USTA</strong> and the Organization Member that holds the<br />
sanction as follows:<br />
• The first $1000 shall belong to the Organization Member;<br />
• The next $9000 shall be divided 50% to the Organization Member<br />
and 50% to the <strong>USTA</strong>;<br />
• The next $10,000, 35% to the Organization Member and 65% to<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong>; and<br />
• All amounts over $20,000, 25% to the Organization Member and<br />
75% to the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
E. ITF Junior Tournaments. The ITF regulations require that ITF junior<br />
tournaments played in the United States be either organized by the <strong>USTA</strong> or<br />
sanctioned by the <strong>USTA</strong>. The Junior Competition Committee shall be notified<br />
of all applicants for tournaments requiring sanction approval. The process<br />
for sanction approval shall be as set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations XVII.D.3.d.<br />
and e.<br />
F. US Open and Other Tournament Sanctions Awarded by <strong>USTA</strong> Board<br />
1. Right of <strong>USTA</strong> Board to award sanctions. The <strong>USTA</strong> Board awards the<br />
sanction for the US Open and has the right to assume the responsibility<br />
for sanctioning <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National<br />
218 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVII.E. (ITF Junior Tournaments)
Championships, as set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII.D.3.g. The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Board may also award the sanction for any tournament not described in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII.<br />
2. Sanction fees. The sanction fee for the US Open and any tournament not<br />
described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVII. that is approved by the Board shall<br />
be negotiated by the Sectional Association in whose territory the<br />
tournament is held, the Organization Member that applies for the<br />
sanction, and the <strong>USTA</strong> or its specifically designated representative. The<br />
agreement shall not be<strong>com</strong>e binding on the <strong>USTA</strong> until approved by the<br />
Board. The Sectional Association shall receive that part of the sanction<br />
fees as shall be agreed upon by the <strong>USTA</strong> and the Sectional Association.<br />
The division, if any, of the sanction fee shall be negotiated by the<br />
President and Secretary-Treasurer of the <strong>USTA</strong> with the President and<br />
Treasurer of the respective Sectional Association. The payment to the<br />
Sectional Association shall not exceed $2000. The sanction fee for any<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championship or <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championship<br />
approved by the <strong>USTA</strong> Board shall be as set forth in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
XVII.D.4.<br />
3. Commercial identification for tournaments when sanction requires <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Board approval. If the sanction for a tournament requires the approval of<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> Board, no other name, such as that of a tournament sponsor,<br />
may, without prior approval of the Board, be included in the official title.<br />
4. Television, cable, satellite, internet, radio, film, and video rights. The<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> reserves all television, cable, satellite, internet, radio, film, and<br />
video rights for all tournaments when sanctions are awarded by the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Board.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVII.F. (US Open and Other Tournament Sanctions…) 219
XVIII. AM<strong>AT</strong>EUR AND PROFESSIONAL ST<strong>AT</strong>US<br />
A. Definitions<br />
Amateur and professional tennis players are within the jurisdiction of the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
1. Amateur shall not receive pecuniary advantage because of skills as tennis<br />
player. A tennis player is an amateur if the player does not receive and<br />
has not received, directly or indirectly, pecuniary advantage by the<br />
playing, teaching, demonstrating, or pursuit of the game except as<br />
expressly permitted by the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
2. Definition of professional. All other tennis players who accept the<br />
authority of, and who are in good standing with, the <strong>USTA</strong> shall be<br />
designated as professionals.<br />
3. Amateur remains amateur throughout tournament. A player starting play<br />
in a tournament as an amateur shall remain an amateur for the purposes<br />
of that tournament.<br />
B. Warning<br />
Acceptance of the expenses or prizes or undertaking employment allowed by<br />
these regulations may jeopardize the amateur’s eligibility under rules and<br />
regulations of the amateur’s school or another amateur organization in which<br />
the amateur is interested. Before accepting any expenses or prizes or<br />
undertaking any tennis related employment, an amateur should consider the<br />
eligibility rules of the amateur’s school and any other amateur organization in<br />
which the amateur is interested.<br />
C. Acts That Will Cause Loss of Amateur Status<br />
1. Prize money. An amateur may not play for a money prize or any other<br />
prohibited prize or sell a prize or transfer the right to a prize to another<br />
person.<br />
2. Teaching and coaching. An amateur may not teach, coach, instruct, or<br />
demonstrate the game except as authorized in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVIII.D.<br />
3. Films and books. An amateur may not accept money or gain pecuniary<br />
advantage by permitting the taking of tennis action films or television<br />
films of the amateur or by permitting the use of his or her name as the<br />
author of any book or article on tennis of which he or she is not the actual<br />
author.<br />
4. Services. An amateur may not accept money for services not actually<br />
rendered.<br />
5. Endorsements. An amateur may not permit the amateur’s name,<br />
initials, or likeness to be placed on tennis equipment or apparel of which<br />
the amateur is not the actual manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or seller.<br />
An amateur may not permit the use of the amateur’s name, initials, or<br />
likeness in the advertising or other sales promotion of any goods of any<br />
manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or seller.<br />
D. Acts That Amateur May Engage in Without Losing Amateur Status<br />
1. Reasonable expenses actually incurred. An amateur may be<br />
reimbursed for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with<br />
participation in a tournament, match, or exhibition. See <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation XVIII.E.<br />
2. Scholarships to school. An amateur may receive a scholarship or other<br />
benefits authorized by the amateur’s school that do not affect eligibility as<br />
a tennis player for the school.<br />
220 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVIII.A. (Definitions)
3. Tennis camp and school scholarships. An amateur may receive a<br />
scholarship or other special award:<br />
• That recognizes a particular achievement by the amateur other than<br />
a prize won through participation in a tournament event or which<br />
recognizes a particular ability and financial need of the amateur; and<br />
• That permits the amateur, at no cost or at a reduced cost, to attend<br />
a tennis camp or school, to participate in a tennis clinic, or to<br />
receive tennis lessons, provided that the recipient has been<br />
selected from a group of eligible recipients in accordance with<br />
rules established by the donor of the scholarship or special award.<br />
4. Employment in sporting goods industry. An amateur may enter into a<br />
bona fide arrangement for services as an individual proprietor, partner,<br />
employee, agent, or consultant with a manufacturer or seller of sporting<br />
goods or other products, provided the services to be performed will not<br />
violate any of these regulations.<br />
5. Student employment as salaried tennis instructor. An undergraduate or<br />
a graduate student in regular full-time attendance at a recognized high<br />
school, college, or university, or a faculty member as described in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVIII.D.6. shall not lose amateur status because of<br />
accepting employment as:<br />
• A counselor at a summer camp;<br />
• An assistant to a teaching professional;<br />
• An employee or tennis instructor at a club or establishment where<br />
tennis is played;<br />
• An employee or tennis instructor of a Sectional or District<br />
Association, a city recreation department or its equivalent, or a<br />
recognized tennis patrons organization; or<br />
• An employee in a public junior development program.<br />
Remuneration for any such employment may only be on a salary basis<br />
and may not be on a fee-for-lesson basis.<br />
6. Faculty members serving as tennis coaches. Regular full-time faculty<br />
members of a recognized high school, college, or university may teach<br />
tennis to the pupils or coach the tennis team as part of their faculty<br />
assignments without affecting their amateur standings.<br />
7. Physical education teachers. An amateur may be a physical education<br />
or sports teacher who receives pecuniary advantage by giving<br />
elementary tennis instruction. Remuneration for any such employment<br />
may only be on a salary basis and may not be on a fee-for-lesson basis.<br />
E. Expenses That May Be Reimbursed Without Causing Player to Lose Amateur<br />
Status<br />
1. Reasonable expenses actually incurred. An amateur may be reimbursed<br />
for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with participation<br />
in a tournament, match, or exhibition.<br />
2. Documentation of expenses. Where practicable, expenses must be<br />
supported by receipts or other evidence of payment.<br />
3. Lodging. An amateur may accept reimbursement for reasonable lodging<br />
expenses.<br />
4. Food. An amateur may accept reimbursement for reasonable food<br />
expenses.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVIII.E. (Expenses That May Be Reimbursed…) 221
5. Travel. Travel expenses are allowable for travel to a tournament from<br />
home or a previous tournament if in fact travel was from a previous<br />
tournament. Travel expenses are also allowable for actual return to the<br />
amateur’s home from the tournament. Reimbursement shall be limited to<br />
the following:<br />
• Air, rail, or bus fare at coach rate;<br />
• Local transportation; and<br />
• Automobile expenses per vehicle plus tolls at a rate established by<br />
the Board.<br />
6. Entry fees. Entry fees are allowable expenses.<br />
7. Expenses before and during tournament. Expenses incurred at a<br />
tournament site for the period starting a maximum of two days before<br />
the start of a tournament and ending on the day after a player is<br />
eliminated from the tournament are allowable in accordance with these<br />
regulations.<br />
8. Expenses of spouse, parent, coach, or chaperone. Expenses for a<br />
non-playing spouse, a parent, a chaperone traveling with an amateur, or a<br />
coach are allowable in accordance with these regulations. Expenses for a<br />
coach shall be related to practice for and participation in the tournament<br />
at a tournament site.<br />
9. Miscellaneous expenses. Expenses for laundry and soft drinks are<br />
allowable if not provided by the tournament or host.<br />
10. Documentation of expenses to <strong>USTA</strong>. Upon the written request of the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee, Executive Committee, or the Board, an<br />
amateur shall fully inform such <strong>com</strong>mittee or Board as to:<br />
a. All expenses paid in connection with participation in any<br />
tournament, match, or exhibition, including the furnishing to such<br />
<strong>com</strong>mittee or Board of such additional information as may be<br />
requested and including a sworn statement as to such expenses if<br />
so requested; and<br />
b. The details of any employment in the sporting goods industry or<br />
other arrangement described in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVIII.D.4.,<br />
including furnishing to such <strong>com</strong>mittee or Board any written<br />
agreement, correspondence, and memoranda relating thereto,<br />
including a sworn statement as to such details if so requested.<br />
Failure to <strong>com</strong>ply promptly and fully with the request shall be grounds for<br />
immediate suspension, which suspension shall continue until the amateur<br />
has so <strong>com</strong>plied with such request.<br />
F. Reimbursement of These Expenses Will Cause Player to Lose Amateur Status<br />
1. Reimbursements conditioned on round reached. Any arrangement for<br />
payment of expenses shall not be conditioned on the round reached. A<br />
tournament may enter into an arrangement for payment of part or all of<br />
an amateur’s allowable expenses, as defined in this <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
XVIII., conditioned upon the tournament obtaining sufficient funds for the<br />
payment.<br />
2. Reimbursement of expenses paid by someone else. An amateur may not<br />
accept reimbursement for an expense if someone else (for example, a<br />
sponsor) has paid such expense, unless the amateur actually returns<br />
such payment to the sponsor.<br />
222 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVIII.F. (Reimbursement of These Expenses…)
3. Lost in<strong>com</strong>e. Lost opportunities for in<strong>com</strong>e, attributable to playing a<br />
tournament, are not allowable expenses.<br />
4. Equipment and clothing. Equipment and clothing are not allowable<br />
expenses.<br />
5. Expenses not reimbursable by virtue of action of Sectional Association or<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee. No amateur may receive, directly or indirectly,<br />
expenses of any kind in connection with playing tennis if permission to<br />
receive expenses has been refused either:<br />
• By the amateur’s Sectional Association; or<br />
• By the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee.<br />
An amateur whose Sectional Association has refused to allow the<br />
amateur to receive the expenses may appeal to the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance<br />
Committee pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Bylaw 43.<br />
G. Organization Member’s Role in Reimbursement of Amateur’s Expenses<br />
1. Direct arrangements between Organization Member and amateur. All<br />
arrangements, including the payment of expenses, for participation by an<br />
amateur in a sanctioned tournament, match, or exhibition shall be made<br />
by the Organization Member holding the tournament directly with the<br />
amateur, the amateur’s Sectional Association, the Sectional Association in<br />
which the tournament is being held, the team captain of any recognized<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> team (whether on a National, Sectional, or District level), or the<br />
chairperson for any sanctioned National or International tournament,<br />
match, or exhibition.<br />
Payments made to hotels for indebtedness incurred for lodging,<br />
meals, etc., or to <strong>com</strong>mon carriers for transportation will be<br />
considered as having been paid directly to the amateur.<br />
Failure to <strong>com</strong>ply with the above policy will be grounds for<br />
immediate suspension, which suspension shall continue until the<br />
Organization Member has so <strong>com</strong>plied with the policy.<br />
2. Expenses not reimbursable by virtue of action of Sectional Association or<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee. No Organization Member may pay, directly<br />
or indirectly, expenses of an amateur if permission to pay the expenses<br />
has been refused either:<br />
• By the Organization Member’s home Sectional Association; or<br />
• By the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee.<br />
An Organization Member whose Sectional Association has refused to<br />
allow it to pay the expenses of an amateur may appeal to the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Grievance Committee pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Bylaw 43.<br />
3. Organization Member may lose future sanction of its tournaments if it<br />
violates <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVIII. An Organization Member that<br />
disregards any provision of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVIII. shall be deemed to<br />
have acted in a way detrimental to the welfare of the game and may be<br />
denied by the Board further sanctions to hold tournaments, matches,<br />
or exhibitions. Any Organization Member charged by the Board with<br />
having so acted may, at its request, have a hearing before the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Grievance Committee pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Bylaw 43.<br />
H. Amateur Prizes<br />
1. Value of prizes for amateurs may not exceed $250 per event. The<br />
maximum value of a prize that may be won by an amateur in any one<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVIII.H. (Amateur Prizes) 223
event is $250. Thus, if an amateur participates in both the singles and<br />
doubles events in a particular tournament, the amateur could accept a<br />
prize having a maximum value of $250 for participation in the singles<br />
event and another prize having a maximum value of $250 for participation<br />
in the doubles event.<br />
2. Allowable prizes. A prize may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the<br />
following:<br />
• Trophy or medal;<br />
• Merchandise (for example, apparel, suitcases, rackets, silverware);<br />
• Gift certificate;<br />
• Membership or playing privileges at a tennis club with the amateur<br />
having the right to designate the club;<br />
• Tennis lessons with the amateur having the right to designate the<br />
professional or organization providing the lessons;<br />
• Scholarship with the amateur having the right to designate the<br />
school; and<br />
• Tax deductible contribution by the Tournament Committee with the<br />
amateur having the right to designate the recipient of the<br />
contribution.<br />
3. Cash prizes may not be given to amateurs. A prize cannot be cash or any<br />
award which may be surrendered for cash.<br />
4. Donation of prize money to school or tennis organization by<br />
Tournament Committee. If a player cannot accept prize money or a prize<br />
because the player is an amateur, then the Tournament Committee or<br />
sponsor has the discretion to give the prize money or prize to:<br />
• A high school or college;<br />
• The athletic department of a high school or college, which may be<br />
for a specific use such as the tennis team;<br />
• A Sectional Association; or<br />
• A tennis patrons organization that is approved by its Sectional<br />
Association for receipt of the prize money or prize, provided that the<br />
player does not determine the recipient.<br />
I. Enforcement Procedure over Amateur Status<br />
1. Role of <strong>USTA</strong> President and <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee in payment<br />
of amateur expenses. The President and the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance<br />
Committee, acting jointly, may exercise supervision and control over<br />
the payment and acceptance of expenses as may in their judgments be<br />
necessary to insure an observance of these regulations. The President<br />
and the Chairperson of the Grievance Committee, acting jointly, are<br />
authorized to engage and pay for investigative services as they deem<br />
necessary and proper to insure the proper enforcement of these<br />
regulations.<br />
2. Sectional Association jurisdiction over amateur status. A Sectional<br />
Association may elect to exercise jurisdiction over its amateurs and<br />
require that they obtain special permission from it before accepting<br />
expenses in connection with their participation in a tournament, match, or<br />
exhibition. Election by a Sectional Association to exercise this jurisdiction<br />
will be<strong>com</strong>e effective only upon receipt of formal notice by the Secretary<br />
of the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
224 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVIII.I. (Enforcement Procedure over Amateur…)
3. Consequences of violating <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVIII. An amateur who<br />
violates any provision of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVIII. will jeopardize the<br />
player’s amateur status and will be subject to disciplinary action pursuant<br />
to <strong>USTA</strong> Bylaw 43 or pursuant to the procedures of any appropriate<br />
Sectional or District Association. An Organization Member that holds a<br />
tournament and violates any provision of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVIII. is<br />
subject to disciplinary action pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Bylaw 43 or pursuant to<br />
the procedures of any appropriate Sectional or District Association.<br />
J. Reinstatement to Amateur Status<br />
1. Reinstatement of a professional. If an amateur has be<strong>com</strong>e a professional<br />
and then wishes to be reinstated as an amateur, the following principles<br />
and requirements shall be applicable:<br />
a. Written request to <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee. The player shall make<br />
a written request to the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Chairperson, c/o <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Executive Director, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, New York<br />
10604.<br />
b. Player was professional for less than one year and grossed less<br />
than $3,000. If the period of time from the date the player first<br />
became a professional through the date on which the player<br />
ceased professional activities is less than one year, and if during<br />
this period the aggregate of prize money won and of other gross<br />
in<strong>com</strong>e received from professional activities is less than $3,000,<br />
reinstatement as an amateur may be granted effective as of the<br />
date between three months and six months following the date on<br />
which the player ceased professional activities.<br />
c. Player was professional for between one and two years and<br />
grossed less than $10,000. If the period of time from the date the<br />
player first became a professional through the date on which the<br />
player ceased professional activities is a year or more, but is less<br />
than two years, and if during this period the aggregate of prize<br />
money won and of other gross in<strong>com</strong>e received from professional<br />
activities is less than $10,000, reinstatement as an amateur may<br />
be granted effective as of the date between six months and one<br />
year following the date on which the player ceased professional<br />
activities.<br />
d. Player was professional for between two and three years and<br />
grossed less than $25,000. If the period of time from the date the<br />
player first became a professional through the date on which the<br />
player ceased professional activities is two years or more, but is<br />
less than three years, and if during this period the aggregate of<br />
prize money won and of other gross in<strong>com</strong>e received from<br />
professional activities is less than $25,000, reinstatement as an<br />
amateur may be granted effective as of the date between one year<br />
and 18 months following the date on which the player ceased<br />
professional activities.<br />
e. Player was professional for less than three years, grossed less than<br />
$25,000, and subparagraphs b. through d. do not apply. If the<br />
period of time from the date the player first became a<br />
professional through the date on which the player ceased<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVIII.J. (Reinstatement to Amateur Status) 225
professional activities is less than three years, and if during this<br />
period the aggregate of prize money won and of other gross in<strong>com</strong>e<br />
received from professional activities is less than $25,000, and if<br />
none of subparagraphs b. through d. is applicable, reinstatement as<br />
an amateur may be granted effective as of a date reasonably<br />
consistent with the principles set forth in subparagraphs a. through<br />
c. above.<br />
f. Player was professional for more than three years or grossed more<br />
than $25,000. If the period of time from the date the player first<br />
became a professional through the date on which the player ceased<br />
professional activities is three years or more, or if the aggregate of<br />
prize money won and of other gross in<strong>com</strong>e received from<br />
professional activities is $25,000 or more, reinstatement as an<br />
amateur may be granted effective as of a date reasonably consistent<br />
with the principles set forth in subparagraphs b. through d.<br />
2. Player who has turned professional more than once. If an amateur has<br />
be<strong>com</strong>e a professional after having been previously reinstated as an<br />
amateur, and then wishes to be reinstated again as an amateur, the<br />
effective date for any reinstatement may be considerably longer than<br />
the periods indicated in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVIII.J.1.<br />
3. <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee may reinstate player. Any reinstatement shall<br />
be made by the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance Committee on evidence satisfactory<br />
to it that reinstatement is merited.<br />
226 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XVIII.J. (Reinstatement to Amateur Status)
XIX. AMENDMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations may be amended provided any such amendment is not<br />
inconsistent with any provision of the <strong>USTA</strong> Constitution or the <strong>USTA</strong> Bylaws.<br />
A. Amendment by Members<br />
Amendments may be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the<br />
members of the <strong>USTA</strong> present and voting at any meeting of the members,<br />
provided that notice of the proposed amendment be included by the<br />
Secretary-Treasurer of the <strong>USTA</strong> in the notice of the meeting at which the<br />
amendment is to be considered.<br />
B. Amendment by Executive Committee<br />
Amendments may be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the<br />
members of the Executive Committee present and voting at any meeting of the<br />
Executive Committee, provided that notice of the proposed amendment be<br />
included by the Secretary-Treasurer of the <strong>USTA</strong> in the notice of the meeting at<br />
which the amendment is to be considered.<br />
C. Process for Submitting Amendment<br />
1. Persons authorized to submit amendments. An amendment proposed to be<br />
made by the voting members of the <strong>USTA</strong> or the Executive Committee may<br />
be submitted only by a Sectional Association (through its President or<br />
Secretary), a member of the Executive Committee, or a <strong>USTA</strong> <strong>com</strong>mittee<br />
(through its chairperson). A <strong>USTA</strong> <strong>com</strong>mittee shall submit a proposed new<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation or amendment only if the <strong>com</strong>mittee, by majority vote, has<br />
voted to submit the proposal. The <strong>com</strong>mittee chairperson shall forward the<br />
proposal to the Secretary-Treasurer of the <strong>USTA</strong> and shall circulate it to other<br />
bodies as the <strong>com</strong>mittee may direct.<br />
2. Written proposals must be received by Secretary-Treasurer of <strong>USTA</strong> at<br />
least 90 days before meeting. All proposals must be submitted in<br />
writing to the Secretary-Treasurer of the <strong>USTA</strong> at least 90 days before<br />
the meeting at which the proposals are to be considered.<br />
3. Proposals of extreme urgency. If notice is provided to all members of the<br />
Executive Committee at least 15 days before the scheduled meeting date<br />
of the Committee, any proposal concerning a matter of extreme urgency<br />
that could not have been foreseen 90 days before the meeting may be<br />
considered, provided the proposal be determined by the affirmative vote<br />
of a majority of the members of the Executive Committee present and<br />
voting to be of extreme urgency.<br />
D. Amendment by Board<br />
Amendments may be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the<br />
members of the Board present and voting at any meeting of the Board held<br />
during intervals between meetings of the Executive Committee, provided that:<br />
1. Amendment included in notice. Notice of the proposed amendment or<br />
new regulation shall be included by the Secretary-Treasurer of the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
in the notice of the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered;<br />
and<br />
2. Twenty-day advance notice required within <strong>USTA</strong>. The Secretary-<br />
Treasurer of the <strong>USTA</strong> shall provide a copy of each amendment or new<br />
regulation proposed to be made by the Board to each member of the<br />
Executive Committee, to each Sectional President who is not a member of<br />
the Executive Committee, to the Chairperson of the Constitution and Rules<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIX.D. Amendment by the Board) 227
Committee, to each Sectional Association office, and to the chairperson of<br />
any <strong>USTA</strong> <strong>com</strong>mittee that is affected by the proposed amendment, not<br />
less than 20 days before the date of the meeting at which the action is to<br />
be considered.<br />
E. Amendments Passed by Executive Committee and Board Are Subject to<br />
Amendment at Next Meeting of Members<br />
Pursuant to <strong>USTA</strong> Bylaw 65, amendments passed by the Executive Committee<br />
or by the Board are subject to approval, disapproval, or amendment at the next<br />
Annual, Semiannual, or Special Meeting of the membership upon the request of<br />
the voting delegates at the meeting with sufficient strength to constitute a<br />
majority vote of the membership.<br />
F. Secretary-Treasurer of <strong>USTA</strong> Shall Provide Certain <strong>USTA</strong> Officials with Copy<br />
of Amendment Within Sixty Days of Its Adoption<br />
The Secretary-Treasurer of the <strong>USTA</strong> shall provide a copy of each amendment that<br />
is adopted to each member of the Executive Committee, to each Sectional<br />
President who is not a member of the Executive Committee, to each Sectional<br />
Association office, to the Chairperson of the Constitution and Rules<br />
Committee, and to the chairperson of any <strong>USTA</strong> <strong>com</strong>mittee that is affected by<br />
the amendment within 60 days after the action.<br />
G. Effective Date of Amendments<br />
Amendments to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations I-VII shall be effective on January 1<br />
following their adoption, unless the Executive Committee or Board votes<br />
that an amendment shall have a different effective date, in which case it<br />
shall be effective on the date specified. Amendments to all other <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations shall be effective immediately unless a later date is specified.<br />
H. Amendments to The Code, <strong>USTA</strong> Comments to ITF Rules of Tennis, and<br />
Comments to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations<br />
Amendments to The Code shall be subject to approval in accordance with the<br />
procedures applicable for approval of <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations provided that any<br />
amendment may be approved by the Chairperson of the Constitution and<br />
Rules Committee and the General Counsel if they agree that it is a conforming<br />
change required because of an amendment to the ITF Rules of Tennis or a<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation.<br />
If the Chairpersons of the Tennis Rules and Regulations Committee and the<br />
Officials Committee jointly request that a change be made in the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Comments to the ITF Rules of Tennis or the FAC Comments to the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations, the Chairperson of the Constitution and Rules Committee and the<br />
General Counsel may authorize the change if they determine that it is consistent<br />
with the ITF Rules of Tennis and <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations and that it is not<br />
inconsistent with previous applicable actions of the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
I. Request for Waiver<br />
An Individual Member who believes the Individual Member is adversely<br />
affected by a <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation may, for a <strong>com</strong>pelling reason, petition for a<br />
waiver of that regulation. The individual member shall submit the petition to<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> Executive Director, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY<br />
10604-3602, at least 45 days before the requested effective date of the<br />
waiver. The petition shall:<br />
• Identify the regulation that the individual member would like to have<br />
waived;<br />
228 <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIX.E. (Amendements Passed by Executive…)
• State the period over which the waiver is requested;<br />
• State the <strong>com</strong>pelling reason; and<br />
• Submit documentation that fully describes the basis for the request.<br />
Upon receipt of the petition, the Executive Director shall assign the<br />
petition to an appropriate person for review and decision and shall notify the<br />
individual member of the identity of the person to whom the petition has been<br />
assigned.<br />
Within 30 days of the assignment (unless further time is reasonable), the<br />
person shall:<br />
• Render a decision on the petition based on the investigation, hearing,<br />
or consultation that the person deems appropriate; and<br />
• Notify the Executive Director and the individual member of the<br />
decision.<br />
The individual member may appeal the decision to the <strong>USTA</strong> Grievance<br />
Committee pursuant to Bylaw 43. The appeal shall be treated as an initial<br />
grievance.<br />
FAC Comment XIX.I-1: The International Tennis Federation determines the<br />
ITF Rules of Tennis. Any request for waiver of the ITF Rules of Tennis<br />
should be addressed to the ITF.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS XIX.I. (Request for Waiver) 229
PART 4—<strong>USTA</strong> EMERGENCY CARE GUIDELINES<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
Emergency Care Guidelines help prepare Tournament Directors for medical<br />
emergencies and evacuations in case of disasters. The ordinary standard of care<br />
does not require a Tournament Director to be trained in emergency medical care.<br />
However, familiarity with these guidelines allows Tournament Directors to be<br />
prepared for medical emergencies and evacuations in case of disasters.<br />
TOURNAMENT PREPAR<strong>AT</strong>ION<br />
It is important to think about the possibility of a medical emergency taking place<br />
at your tournament ahead of time. Once you have anticipated this possibility, you<br />
have already begun preparation. Consider having the following in place at the<br />
start of the tournament:<br />
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS<br />
• Identify at least one working phone on site. If you are using a cellular<br />
phone, keep it fully charged and verify that it works on site. Many cellular<br />
phones do not connect in certain areas or locations.<br />
• Know the phone number and location of the nearest hospital.<br />
• Know the phone number of a local ambulance <strong>com</strong>pany. Let the <strong>com</strong>pany<br />
know beforehand that you are hosting a tennis tournament, and speak to<br />
appropriate personnel about the best protocol to follow in case of an<br />
emergency.<br />
• 911: Remember, when in doubt or in case of a medical emergency, call<br />
911, which will activate the emergency response system and prompt an<br />
emergency medical vehicle to be sent to your site.<br />
• Walk the tournament site in order to know the best way for an emergency<br />
vehicle to enter.<br />
• Review with pertinent tournament personnel the emergency phone<br />
numbers and the protocol for activating 911.<br />
• When activating 911, or when calling the local ambulance <strong>com</strong>pany, keep<br />
your instructions clear and indicate the following:<br />
The number of people who are in need of emergency medical care<br />
Their ages (or approximate ages)<br />
The location<br />
The person to whom emergency medical services should report<br />
In addition to activating the emergency response system, try to locate the parent<br />
or guardian of a minor as soon as possible. For adults, try to locate the spouse,<br />
parent or next of kin as soon as possible. Remember, for emergency medical<br />
care, activating 911/emergency response system takes precedence over calling<br />
family members.<br />
SUPPLIES (ON-HAND)<br />
• Towels: Verify that ample towels are available for clean up and for use by<br />
players, if necessary.<br />
• Water: Verify that ample drinking water is available on site.<br />
• Ice: Verify that ice is available for both heat illness and acute<br />
strains/sprains.<br />
230 <strong>USTA</strong> EMERGENCY CARE GUIDELINES
• Gloves: Verify that exam gloves are on site, as they are to be worn by<br />
anyone who may <strong>com</strong>e into direct contact with blood—which includes<br />
caring for an injured player or spectator/staff—or cleaning a blood spill.<br />
• First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit may be used within your <strong>com</strong>fort zone. Do<br />
not dispense medication except upon the documented re<strong>com</strong>mendation<br />
of a physician on site. Basic first aid kits include:<br />
Band-Aids, both small and large<br />
Medical gauze<br />
Athletic tape and Elastic (ACE) bandages<br />
Plastic bags, including red plastic bags<br />
The text contained herein is for informational purposes only. The United States<br />
Tennis Association does not assume liability for any information contained herein.<br />
Any and all emergency care decisions should be made in consultation with a<br />
licensed professional.<br />
ON-SITE EMERGENCY CARE<br />
The following sections describe medical situations and conditions the Tournament<br />
Director may encounter. Remember, best practices mean identifying that<br />
someone needs emergency medical care, and then accessing emergency<br />
treatment via 911 or a local ambulance <strong>com</strong>pany.<br />
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS<br />
Universal precautions is a term that means any human blood—including body<br />
fluids tainted with blood—is considered contaminated and potentially infectious.<br />
Thus, latex exam gloves are worn by anyone handling blood or blood products,<br />
and the individual handling the blood should have no open sores (non-latex exam<br />
gloves are available for latex-allergic/sensitive individuals). As a practical<br />
example, exam gloves are worn by an individual who is applying pressure with a<br />
towel or bandage to a player who is bleeding. Blood spills on court are best<br />
cleaned in accordance with current <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations (Friend at Court: The <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations: medical timeout). If a mop and water<br />
are not utilized, a towel with water is acceptable. In this instance, the individual<br />
cleaning the court is wearing exam gloves. Blood products are disposed in readily<br />
identifiable red plastic bags.<br />
HE<strong>AT</strong> ILLNESS<br />
Heat illness refers to an acute medical condition that arises from a <strong>com</strong>bination of<br />
dehydration and overheating within the body. Heat illness occurs most <strong>com</strong>monly<br />
in hot, humid conditions, especially if there is little wind. It is important to be<br />
aware of the temperature and humidity throughout the day, and to anticipate heat<br />
illness occurrences when the apparent temperature, or heat index, is equal to or<br />
greater than 90 degrees, as per the chart below.<br />
The symptoms and signs of heat illness include unusual or excessive<br />
tiredness, headache, nausea (with or without vomiting), cramps, dizziness,<br />
passing out and high body temperature. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and<br />
typically individuals appear acutely ill, have a high body temperature, and are<br />
unable to drink any fluids.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> EMERGENCY CARE GUIDELINES 231
Post signs advising players to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after<br />
play. Try to provide and identify areas with shade for cooling, plenty of fluids, and<br />
cold, wet towels or icepacks. If the player cannot drink or has no desire to drink,<br />
has lost consciousness or has a change in level of consciousness, or if there is<br />
any doubt about the player’s condition, arrange for emergency transport to the<br />
nearest hospital via 911 or a local ambulance <strong>com</strong>pany. While awaiting<br />
emergency transport to arrive, remove the player from the heat and cool the<br />
player with cold, wet towels applied to the body—specifically the armpits, groin,<br />
and head.<br />
ACUTE ALLERGIC REACTIONS/ANAPHYLAXIS<br />
Acute allergic reactions are most likely to occur at a tennis tournament as a result<br />
of an insect bite or a bee/wasp sting. The reaction can range from localized<br />
swelling and dis<strong>com</strong>fort, to more generalized swelling, to difficulty breathing with<br />
wheezing, to a life-threatening cardiovascular collapse. Localized reactions can be<br />
treated with ice. If the rash continues to worsen, if there is any difficulty<br />
breathing, if there is wheezing or facial swelling, or any changes in the level of<br />
consciousness, arrange for emergency transport to the nearest hospital via 911<br />
or a local ambulance <strong>com</strong>pany.<br />
Some players may have an established history of severe allergic reactions and<br />
may have experience using Epipen (epinephrine auto-injector). Such players may<br />
self-administer Epipen in accordance with their <strong>com</strong>fort zone. Even in this<br />
scenario, activate the emergency response system to ensure immediate medical<br />
evaluation and management of the individual.<br />
STRAINS/SPRAINS<br />
Acute strains and sprains usually occur in the setting of a fall. Symptoms include<br />
localized swelling and pain. Acute management includes limb elevation with<br />
application of ice and a <strong>com</strong>pression bandage (ACE bandage). Remember: RICE:<br />
Rest; Ice; Compression; Elevation). Best practices include players consulting with<br />
their physician for further management. For severe strains and sprains, best<br />
practices include evaluation that day, either in a physician’s office or in the<br />
emergency room, in order to rule out an underlying fracture.<br />
OTHER EMERGENCIES<br />
Life-threatening emergencies can occur at any time, and can include a seizure,<br />
heart attack, sudden fall with head trauma, or sudden collapse. Your job is not to<br />
make a diagnosis, but to activate the emergency response system via 911 or a<br />
call to the local ambulance <strong>com</strong>pany. It is important to maintain an environment<br />
of calm, and to remove all unnecessary people from the scene.<br />
MEDIC<strong>AT</strong>ION<br />
Do not administer medication on site, including aspirin, products containing<br />
acetaminophen, or over-the-counter cold remedies. Some over-the-counter<br />
products contain medications that may be banned by the Tennis Anti-Doping<br />
Program. It is the player’s responsibility to properly take such medications under<br />
the direction of his physician, his guardian, or both. In addition, never supply any<br />
food supplements, protein drinks, or energy supplements other than standard<br />
232 <strong>USTA</strong> EMERGENCY CARE GUIDELINES
sport drinks (e.g., Gatorade). These supplements may be tainted with banned<br />
substances for doping control.<br />
THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING<br />
Lightning is a potential severe hazard and life-threatening consequence of an<br />
approaching storm near outdoor tennis matches. It is important to be prepared<br />
for immediate cessation of all matches or warm-up in the event of lightning. In<br />
essence, if lightning is sighted, stop all activity and direct everyone to seek<br />
appropriate shelter. A 30-30 rule may be used, which is as follows:<br />
• If lightning is sighted and thunder then occurs in 30 seconds or less,<br />
instruct everyone on site to seek appropriate shelter. Dividing the number<br />
of seconds between lightning and thunder by 5 gives the distance of<br />
lightning in miles. (For example, a flash-to-bang count of 30 seconds<br />
means a distance of 6 miles.)<br />
• Resume tennis activity after a minimum of 30 minutes has elapsed since<br />
the last lightening strike was seen.<br />
The primary shelter choice is any substantial, frequently inhabited building<br />
with working electricity, telephones and plumbing. While inside, avoid using<br />
electrical devices or telephones attached to cords, and refrain from taking<br />
showers. If such a building is not available, the next safest location is a fully<br />
enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and closed windows. Do not touch the metal<br />
framework while inside the vehicle.<br />
Avoid the following locations:<br />
• Open fields<br />
• Proximity to open water<br />
• Trees, flag poles, or light poles<br />
If anyone has been struck by lightning, activate emergency medical services<br />
immediately. If possible, move the injured person to a safer location.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> EMERGENCY CARE GUIDELINES 233
This Heat Index Chart provides general guidelines for assessing the potential<br />
severity of heat stress. Individual reactions to heat will vary. It is noteworthy that<br />
heat illness can occur at lower temperatures than indicated on the chart. In<br />
addition, studies indicate that susceptibility to heat illness tends to increase with<br />
the very young and the elderly.<br />
1. Across the top of the chart, locate the ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPER<strong>AT</strong>URE<br />
(i.e., the air temperature).<br />
2. Down the left side of the chart, locate the REL<strong>AT</strong>IVE HUMIDITY.<br />
3. Follow across and down to find the APPARENT TEMPER<strong>AT</strong>URE. Apparent<br />
Temperature is the <strong>com</strong>bined index of heat and humidity. It is an index of<br />
the body’s sensation of heat caused by the temperature and humidity (the<br />
reverse of the “wind chill factor”).<br />
Note: Exposure to full sunshine can increase Heat Index values.<br />
HE<strong>AT</strong> INDEX<br />
ENVIRONMENT TEMPER<strong>AT</strong>URE [Fº]<br />
70° 75° 80° 85° 90° 95° 100° 105° 110° 115° 120°<br />
Relative Humidity Apparent Temperature*<br />
0% 64° 69° 73° 78° 83° 87° 91° 95° 99° 103° 107°<br />
10% 65° 70° 75° 80° 85° 90° 95° 100° 105° 111° 116°<br />
20% 66° 72° 77° 82° 87° 93° 99° 105° 112° 120° 130°<br />
30% 67° 73° 78° 84° 90° 96° 104° 113° 123° 135° 148°<br />
40% 68° 74° 79° 86° 93° 101° 110° 123° 137° 151°<br />
50% 69° 75° 81° 88° 96° 107° 120° 135° 150°<br />
60% 70° 76° 82° 90° 100° 114° 132° 149°<br />
70% 70° 77° 85° 93° 106° 124° 144°<br />
80% 71° 78° 86° 97° 113° 136°<br />
90% 71° 79° 88° 102° 122°<br />
100% 72° 80° 91° 108°<br />
*Combined index of heat and humidity…what it “feels like” to the body.<br />
APPARENT TEMPER<strong>AT</strong>URE HE<strong>AT</strong> STRESS RISK WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY<br />
AND/OR PROLONGED EXPOSURE<br />
90° - 105° Heat cramps or heat exhaustion possible<br />
105° - 130° Heat cramps or heat exhaustion likely, Heatstroke possible<br />
130° and up Heatstroke highly likely<br />
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.<br />
234 <strong>USTA</strong> EMERGENCY CARE GUIDELINES
PART 5—UMPIRE ASSIGNMENT, SELECTION,<br />
CERTIFIC<strong>AT</strong>ION, AND TRAINING<br />
I. <strong>USTA</strong> POLICY<br />
A. Diversity and Inclusion: A Key Element of the <strong>USTA</strong>’s Core Values<br />
Just as any good investor knows that you have to diversify your portfolio if<br />
you want to maximize its value, so the <strong>USTA</strong> knows that by making tennis<br />
open and accessible to all people of varied backgrounds, the value of the<br />
sport, the overall crowd appeal and the potential for high returns will increase.<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> has made Diversity and Inclusion a Primary Strategic Priority and is<br />
<strong>com</strong>mitted to growing the game through outreach and inclusion, as defined<br />
by our <strong>USTA</strong> Board of Directors Approved Diversity Statement:<br />
We, the United States Tennis Association, recognize diversity as<br />
essential to achieving our mission: to promote and develop the growth<br />
of tennis. For us, diversity refers to differences of culture, ethnicity,<br />
race, age, gender, beliefs, religion, social and economic status, sexual<br />
orientation, family status, physical ability, appearance, and ideas.<br />
We are <strong>com</strong>mitted to achieving greater diversity throughout the<br />
sport and fostering a tennis environment that is more inclusive.<br />
Pursuant to its overall diversity policy, the <strong>USTA</strong> hereby promulgates this<br />
statement on diversity in Umpire assignment, selection, certification, and<br />
training.<br />
B. Assignment & Selection of Chair Umpires for Tournaments<br />
1. The <strong>USTA</strong> does not permit discrimination on the basis of gender, race,<br />
or any other prohibited basis in the selection and assignment of Chair<br />
Umpires to tournaments and matches.<br />
2. All qualified Chair Umpires will be afforded equal opportunities to Chair<br />
men’s and women’s matches regardless of their gender. The <strong>USTA</strong>,<br />
where it has the authority to do so, will seek to assign qualified female<br />
Chair Umpires to men’s tournaments and matches in numbers<br />
approximating their representation in the qualified pool of applicants<br />
available for these tournaments and matches. The <strong>USTA</strong> will urge <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Pro Circuit tournament officials and the Chief Umpires assigned to these<br />
tournaments to do the same, and will take best efforts to include these<br />
assignment goals in future contracts with entities holding <strong>USTA</strong> Pro<br />
Circuit tournaments. When asked to re<strong>com</strong>mend Chair Umpires for <strong>AT</strong>P<br />
tournaments, the <strong>USTA</strong> will seek to re<strong>com</strong>mend qualified female Chair<br />
Umpires in numbers approximating their representation in the pool of<br />
Umpires qualified and available to chair these tournaments.<br />
3. All qualified Chair Umpires will be afforded equal opportunities to chair<br />
tournaments and specific matches regardless of their race. The <strong>USTA</strong>,<br />
where it has the authority to do so, will seek to assign qualified Chair<br />
Umpires, regardless of their demographic background (i.e., race,<br />
gender, sexual orientation, etc.), to matches, including later-round<br />
matches, in numbers approximating their demographic representation<br />
in the qualified pool of applicants available for these matches. The<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> will urge <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit tournament officials and the Chief<br />
UMPIRE ASSIGNMENT, SELECTION, CERTIFIC<strong>AT</strong>ION, AND TRAINING 235
Umpires assigned to these tournaments to do the same, and will take<br />
affirmative steps to include these assignment goals in future contracts<br />
with entities holding <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit tournaments. When asked to<br />
re<strong>com</strong>mend Chair Umpires for <strong>AT</strong>P and WTA tournaments, the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
will seek to re<strong>com</strong>mend qualified minority Chair Umpires in numbers<br />
approximating their demographic representation in the pool of<br />
Umpires qualified and available to chair these tournaments.<br />
4.a. The process for applying for Chair Umpire positions at <strong>USTA</strong> Pro<br />
Circuit events, non-US Open is:<br />
• Step One. Work to achieve a Chair Certification by the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
• Step Two. Indicate interest through the Sectional Chair to attend a<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Chair Academy to improve current skill level.<br />
• Step Three. Register work availability with the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials<br />
Department in the National Office (ITF certification encouraged<br />
but not required).<br />
4.b. The process for applying for Chair Umpire positions at the US Open is:<br />
• Step One. Work to achieve a Chair Certification by the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
• Step Two. Indicate interest through the Sectional Chair to attend<br />
a <strong>USTA</strong> Chair Academy to improve current skill level.<br />
• Step Three. Register work availability with the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials<br />
Department in the National Office (ITF certification not required).<br />
• Step Four. Indicate interest through the Sectional Chair to attend<br />
an ITF White Badge School.<br />
• Step Five. Achieve White Badge or better certification.<br />
• Step Six. File an application to work the US Open by the annual<br />
US Open deadline with the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Department.<br />
5.a. In selecting Chair Umpires and assigning them to <strong>USTA</strong> Pro Circuit<br />
matches, the <strong>USTA</strong> will rely primarily on job related criteria such as:<br />
(Not in any particular order)<br />
• Availability<br />
• Performance rating or evaluation from rating from <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Trainer/Evaluators and experienced <strong>USTA</strong>/ITF Certified Chair<br />
Umpires/Referees<br />
• Experience<br />
• ITF Badge Level (encouraged but not required for Pro Circuit<br />
events)<br />
• Adherence to the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials’ Code of Conduct<br />
5.b. In selecting Chair Umpires and assigning them to US Open matches,<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> will rely primarily on job related criteria such as: (Not in any<br />
particular order)<br />
• US Open Application accepted<br />
• Performance rating or evaluation from rating from <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Trainer/Evaluators and experienced <strong>USTA</strong>/ITF Certified Chair<br />
Umpires/Referees<br />
• Experience<br />
• ITF Badge Level<br />
• Adherence to the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials’ Code of Conduct<br />
• Nationality of the Umpire<br />
• Whether a player exists on the Umpire’s “NO List”<br />
236 UMPIRE ASSIGNMENT, SELECTION, CERTIFIC<strong>AT</strong>ION, AND TRAINING
6. The <strong>USTA</strong> maintains records of the names of the Chair Umpires<br />
assigned to all matches of each <strong>USTA</strong> Sanctioned Tournament.<br />
C. Certification and Training of Chair Umpires<br />
1. The <strong>USTA</strong> does not permit discrimination on the basis of gender, race,<br />
or any other prohibited basis in the certification of Umpires and in the<br />
selection of <strong>USTA</strong>-certified Umpires to be re<strong>com</strong>mended for admission<br />
to the ITF for Badge School.<br />
2. All qualified Chair Umpires will be afforded equal opportunities to<br />
obtain each <strong>USTA</strong> certification level and to be re<strong>com</strong>mended for<br />
admission into an ITF Badge School, regardless of their demographic<br />
background (i.e., race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). The <strong>USTA</strong> will<br />
seek to re<strong>com</strong>mend for ITF Badge School admission qualified Umpires,<br />
regardless of their demographic background, who express written<br />
interest in attending ITF Badge Schools in numbers approximating<br />
their representation in the pool of qualified Umpires who express<br />
written interest in attending these Schools.<br />
3. The process for <strong>USTA</strong>-Certified Umpires to obtain re<strong>com</strong>mendations<br />
for admission to ITF Badge Schools or to attend <strong>USTA</strong>-operated chair<br />
academies is:<br />
Step One. Seek supplemental chair assignments at lower level <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Circuit events, Junior events, Collegiate events, or any events to gain<br />
experience.<br />
Step Two. Seek additional chair assignments at the Pro Circuit level for<br />
Pro Level experience.<br />
Step Three. Obtain applications from the ITF website or seek assistance<br />
to obtain an application from the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials Department.<br />
Step Four. Submit the <strong>com</strong>pleted application to the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials<br />
Department.<br />
4. Decisions by the <strong>USTA</strong> on whether to re<strong>com</strong>mend <strong>USTA</strong>-Certified<br />
Umpires to attend ITF Badge Schools are based on:<br />
• Re<strong>com</strong>mendation from the Sectional Chair;<br />
• Performance rating or evaluation from National Trainer/ Evaluators<br />
and experienced <strong>USTA</strong>/ITF Certified Chairs/ Referees;<br />
• Pro Circuit Experience ;<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> certification for Chair Academies/Chair Certification by the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> for ITF schools;<br />
• Adherence to the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials’ Code of Conduct.<br />
5. Decisions for selecting Umpires certified by the <strong>USTA</strong> to attend<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>-operated Chair Academies will be based primarily on job related<br />
criteria such as:<br />
• Re<strong>com</strong>mendation from the Sectional Chair;<br />
• Performance rating or evaluation from National Trainer/<br />
Evaluators and experienced <strong>USTA</strong>/ITF Certified Chairs/ Referees;<br />
• Pro Circuit;<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> certification for Chair Academies/Chair Certification by the<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> for ITF schools;<br />
• Adherence to the <strong>USTA</strong> Officials’ Code of Conduct.<br />
6. The <strong>USTA</strong> maintains records of the names of <strong>USTA</strong>-Certified Umpires<br />
re<strong>com</strong>mended for admission into ITF Badge Schools, as well as the<br />
UMPIRE ASSIGNMENT, SELECTION, CERTIFIC<strong>AT</strong>ION, AND TRAINING 237
names of <strong>USTA</strong>-Certified Umpires who attend <strong>USTA</strong>-operated Chair<br />
Academies. Upon request, the <strong>USTA</strong> will provide any <strong>USTA</strong>-certified<br />
Umpire with the records relating to his or her request for a Badge<br />
School re<strong>com</strong>mendation or for admission to a <strong>USTA</strong>-operated Chair<br />
Academy.<br />
II. DISCRIMIN<strong>AT</strong>ION COMPLAINT AND RESOLUTION PROCESS<br />
A. Umpire Equal Opportunity Policy<br />
The <strong>USTA</strong> does not permit discrimination on the basis of gender, race, color,<br />
religion, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status,<br />
sexual orientation, age, disability, or any prohibited basis in the selection and<br />
assignment of Chair Umpires to tournaments and matches, or in the<br />
certification of Umpires and the selection of <strong>USTA</strong>-Certified Umpires to be<br />
re<strong>com</strong>mended to the ITF for Badge School admission.<br />
B. Umpire Complaint and Investigation Procedure<br />
1. Any Umpire who believes that he or she has been subjected to<br />
discrimination in violation of the Umpire Equal Opportunity Policy may<br />
file a <strong>com</strong>plaint in writing with the Chief Diversity Officer of the <strong>USTA</strong>,<br />
either by mail 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604, or via<br />
email at diversity@usta.<strong>com</strong>. The <strong>com</strong>plaint shall include:<br />
a. the date, time, and location of the acts or actions <strong>com</strong>plained of;<br />
b. the identities of the person or persons taking the disputed acts or<br />
actions and any witnesses to them; and<br />
c. the basis on which the acts or actions are believed to be<br />
discrimination in violation of the Umpire Equal Opportunity<br />
Policy.<br />
2. The <strong>USTA</strong> will promptly and thoroughly investigate each <strong>com</strong>plaint in<br />
an impartial manner and, to the fullest extent possible, shall maintain<br />
the confidentiality of all <strong>com</strong>plaints and Umpire <strong>com</strong>plainants. The<br />
Umpire <strong>com</strong>plainant shall be informed of the results of the<br />
investigation.<br />
3. If the <strong>USTA</strong> determines that discrimination in violation of the Umpire<br />
Equal Opportunity Policy has occurred, it will immediately take<br />
appropriate remedial and/or disciplinary action, up to and including<br />
termination of the employment or contract of the responsible party if<br />
the <strong>USTA</strong> has this authority.<br />
4. The <strong>USTA</strong> will maintain the records of the Umpire Complaint and<br />
Investigation Procedure, including those reflecting the nature of the<br />
<strong>com</strong>plaint, the investigation conducted, the results of the investigation,<br />
and any actions taken as a result of the investigation, in accordance<br />
with applicable legal standards.<br />
5. No Umpire shall be subjected to retaliation or other detriment in his or<br />
her relations with the <strong>USTA</strong> for filing, assisting with, or supporting in<br />
any manner a <strong>com</strong>plaint of discrimination in violation of the Umpire<br />
Equal Opportunity Policy. If any retaliation or detriment occurs, the<br />
affected Umpire may file an amended or a separate <strong>com</strong>plaint with the<br />
Umpire Diversity Officer to be processed and resolved in the manner<br />
specified above.<br />
238 UMPIRE ASSIGNMENT, SELECTION, CERTIFIC<strong>AT</strong>ION, AND TRAINING
PART 6—UMPIRE AWARDS<br />
John T. McGovern Award Recipients<br />
The award is presented annually to a Chair Umpire or Line Umpire who has<br />
given a lifetime of dedication, service, and expertise to tennis officiating.<br />
1949—Donald M. Dickson,<br />
Bronxville, NY*<br />
1950—Craufurd Kent, Hollywood, CA*<br />
1951—Harold A. Lebair,<br />
New York City, NY*<br />
1952—David S. Niles, West Newton, MA*<br />
1953—Louis W. Shaw, Bayonne, NJ*<br />
1954—Frank J. Tybeskey,<br />
Philadelphia, PA*<br />
1955—Hubert J. Quinn,<br />
San Francisco, CA*<br />
1956—H. LeVan Richards,<br />
Falls Church, VA*<br />
1957—Winslow M. Blanchard,<br />
Scottsdale, AZ*<br />
1958—Edward Mellor, Philadelphia, PA*<br />
1959—Harold E. Ammerman,<br />
Orange, NJ*<br />
1960—J. Clarence Davies Jr.,<br />
New York City, NY*<br />
1961—Herbert J. Lewis,<br />
Miami Shores, FL*<br />
1962—Frank S. Dowling,<br />
Indianapolis, IN*<br />
1963—John Kroel, Clifton, NJ*<br />
1964— William L. Macassin,<br />
Ft. Lauderdale, FL*<br />
1965—Ernest J. Oberlaender Jr.,<br />
New York City, NY*<br />
1966—John Stahr, Larchmont, NY*<br />
1967—S. R. Bumann, Dallas, TX*<br />
1968—John B. Coman,<br />
Beverly Hills, CA*<br />
1969—Frank Hammond,<br />
New York, NY*<br />
1970—E. Brooks Keffer, Wayne, PA<br />
1971—Titus W. Sparrow, Boston, MA*<br />
1972—Col. Richmond H. Skinner,<br />
Wilmington, DE*<br />
1973—Sydow Nieman, Pasadena, CA*<br />
1974—Douglas Stewart, Milford, NJ*<br />
1975—Florence Blanchard, Phoenix, AZ<br />
1976—Samuel R. Cox, Bryn Mawr, PA*<br />
1977—William Ackerman, Trenton, NJ*<br />
1978—Harry Maiden,<br />
South Pasadena, CA*<br />
1979—J. Roy Dance, Memphis, TN<br />
1980—John Sternbach, Vail, CO<br />
1981—William S. Bigelow,<br />
Maplewood, NJ*<br />
1982—George M. Duganne, Miami, FL*<br />
1983—Anita Shukow,<br />
Roslyn Heights, NY*<br />
1984—Nick Powel, Arlington, VA*<br />
1985—Charles F. Beck,<br />
Fort Lauderdale, FL<br />
1986—R. Norris Bond, Boston, MA<br />
1987—Joe Beerman, Bayside, NY<br />
1988—Judy Popkin,<br />
New York City, NY<br />
1989—Jay Snyder, Hershey, PA<br />
1990—Zeno Pfau, Richardson, TX<br />
1991—Richard Kaufman, New Paltz, NY<br />
1992—Peter Kasavage, San Ramon, CA<br />
1993—Fran McDowell, Mt. Vernon, WA<br />
1994—Joan Vormbaum, San Jose, CA<br />
1995—Woodie Sublett-Walker,<br />
Newburgh, IN<br />
1996—Al Penelton, East St. Louis, IL<br />
1997—Steve Ullrich, Tampa, FL<br />
1998—Bill Barber, Brewster, MA<br />
1999—Robert Cranor, Los Angeles, CA<br />
2000—John Bramlett, San Bernardino, CA<br />
2001—Jim Zimmerman, Dallas, TX*<br />
2002—John Wong, San Francisco, CA<br />
2003—Joan Bunny Williams,<br />
Bluffton, SC<br />
2004—Jerry Moore, Roswell, GA<br />
2005—Norman Chryst, Scottsdale, AZ<br />
2006—Shirley Damiano, Syracuse, NY<br />
2007—Missy Malool, Bluffton, SC<br />
2008—David Littlefield, Palm Springs, FL<br />
2009—Lois R. Huggins, Newark, DE<br />
*deceased<br />
AWARDS 239
Jr. McGovern Award Recipients<br />
With qualifying conditions similar to the John T. McGovern Award, the Junior<br />
McGovern Award recognizes service and excellence by younger tennis officials.<br />
1948—Ailie Tesloff, TX<br />
1949—Frank Hammond, New York, NY*<br />
1950—Andrew Dennon, Long Island, NY<br />
1956—Jeffrey Cox, Bryn Mawr, PA*<br />
1957—Betty Brown, Scarsdale, NY<br />
1958—R. Michael Dunne, Greenwich, CT<br />
1959—Helen S. Coman, Scarsdale, NY<br />
1961—Tom Konchalski, Elmhurst, NY<br />
1963—John B. Coman, Jr., Ojai, CA<br />
1964—Jane Dally, So. Orange, NJ<br />
1973—John J. Halonka, Jr., Hallandale, FL<br />
1982—Scott Jason Svonkin,<br />
Monterey Park, CA<br />
240 AWARDS<br />
1983—Jerold Reagan Lipp, Dallas, TX<br />
1984—Dave Radoccia, Reading, MA<br />
1990—Rocky Hardy, Greenbrier, AR<br />
1992—Joe Maxberry, Jacksonville, FL<br />
1993—Cecil Hollins, Ozone Park, NY<br />
1994—Dan Oppenheim, Columbia, MD<br />
1998—Jake Garner, Tallahassee, FL<br />
2000—Chris Wilson, South Deerfield, MA<br />
2004—Tom Skeen, Bountiful, UT<br />
2007—Sally Paulus, Midland, MI<br />
2008—Andrew Walker, Birmingham, MI<br />
Jack Stahr Award Recipients<br />
The award is presented annually to an Umpire in one of the Umpire’s first three<br />
years at the US Open in recognition of hard work, professionalism, technical<br />
ability and cooperative attitude. It recognizes outstanding work primarily as a<br />
Line Umpire.<br />
1984—Jerry Moore, Roswell, GA<br />
1985—Greg Moorhead, Mesa, AZ<br />
1986—Ray Delcastillo,<br />
San Antonio, TX<br />
1987—Dana Loconto, Gadsden, AL<br />
1988—Kristine Coryell, Flossmor, IL<br />
1989—Julie Watterson, Englewood, CO<br />
1990—John Bramlett, San Bernardino, CA<br />
1991—Beth Wallingford,<br />
Indianapolis, IN<br />
1992—Cathi Duncan, Newburgh, IN<br />
1993—Clark Mayer, Hagerstown, MD<br />
1994—Carole Cox, Brentwood, TN<br />
1995—Vigi Dreker, Boca Raton, FL<br />
1996—Revathy Solomon, Gretna, LA<br />
1997—Jay French, W. Palm Beach, FL<br />
1998—Ken Clarke, Redondo Beach, CA<br />
1999—Ann Gilley, Fort Worth, TX<br />
2000—Tracy Crossland, Chicago, IL<br />
2001—Satsuki Prokop, Bellevue, WA<br />
2002—Kevin Calhoun, Lexington, KY<br />
2003—Donovan Kent, Buffalo, NY<br />
2004—Francess Mudge-Lisk,<br />
Prairie Village, KS<br />
2005—Rob Roy, Los Angeles, CA<br />
2006—Justin T. Willis, Greensboro, NC<br />
2007—Jamey Davis, Mobile, AL<br />
2008—Kevin G. Labor, Frisco, TX<br />
2009—Kimberly Angermeier,<br />
Henderson, KY
Nicholas E. Powel Award Recipients<br />
This award is presented annually to a Sectional Chair or Line Umpire in<br />
recognition of the importance of officiating at the local level.<br />
1990—Lillian Donley, Scottsdale, AZ<br />
1991—Margery S. Marshall,<br />
Sacramento, CA<br />
1992—Margaret Colchin, Knoxville, TN<br />
1993—Eugene Heller, Sioux Falls, SD<br />
1994—Lucille Frank, Denver, CO<br />
1995—Claude Pickering, Lancaster, CA<br />
1996—Arcadio Garza, San Antonio, TX<br />
1997—Charles Mignon, Lincoln, NE<br />
1998—Nan Burnam, Abilene, TX<br />
1999—Berry Campagna, Greensburg, PA<br />
2000—Mickey Harper, Midfield, AL<br />
2001—Jim Cummings, Baltimore, MD<br />
2002—Allan Smith, Dunwoody, GA<br />
2003—Sally B. Utiger, Weston, MA<br />
2004—Clarence Corbin, Gulf Breeze, FL<br />
2005—Dennis Bennett, Boise, ID<br />
2006—Patricia A. Friz, Wilmington, DE<br />
2007—David DeGrafft, Lutherville, MD<br />
2008—Charlotte Dlugolenski,<br />
Fayetteville, NY<br />
2009—Catherine Thomas, Palm Desert, CA<br />
AWARDS 241
PART 7—INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA)<br />
REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
CONTENTS OF THE INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA)<br />
REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
I. Individual Competition—Singles and Doubles Tournaments..................................245<br />
A. The Code.........................................................................................................................245<br />
B. Calls in Matches with a Solo Chair Umpire or with no Chair Umpire<br />
and no Line Umpires .....................................................................................................245<br />
C. Service and Service Returns .........................................................................................247<br />
D. ITA Scoring Systems......................................................................................................248<br />
E. ITA Point Penalty System, Defaults, and Unintentional Time Violations ...................248<br />
F. Restrictions on Players and Spectators ........................................................................251<br />
G. Warm-up.........................................................................................................................251<br />
H. Timeouts, Bathroom Breaks, and Equipment Adjustment ........................................251<br />
I. Rest Periods, Continuous Play, and Time Between Matches ....................................253<br />
J. Coaching.........................................................................................................................253<br />
K. Coaches’ Code of Conduct ............................................................................................254<br />
L. Equipment and Attire....................................................................................................254<br />
M. Seeding—Ratio of 1 to 4................................................................................................255<br />
N. Penalties for Lateness at Start of Match .......................................................................255<br />
O. Post Match Interviews...................................................................................................255<br />
P. Eligibility for Collegiate Competition.........................................................................255<br />
II. Team Competition—Dual Meet Matches and Team Tournaments..........................255<br />
A. Formats for Team Play ...................................................................................................255<br />
B. General Rules.................................................................................................................256<br />
C. Facilities and Equipment..............................................................................................259<br />
D. Practice Courts ...............................................................................................................260<br />
E. Officials...........................................................................................................................260<br />
F. Trainer.............................................................................................................................260<br />
G. ITA Scoring Systems in Team Matches in all Divisions.............................................261<br />
H. ITA Point Penalty System and Defaults.......................................................................261<br />
I. Starting Time..................................................................................................................262<br />
J. Warm-up.........................................................................................................................263<br />
K. Team Line-ups................................................................................................................263<br />
L. Post Match Considerations ...........................................................................................266<br />
III. ITA Tournaments—Rules, Regulations and Procedures ............................................266<br />
A. General............................................................................................................................266<br />
B. ITA Games Committee ..................................................................................................267<br />
IV. ITA National Intercollegiate Events ...............................................................................267<br />
A. Withdrawal from ITA National Intercollegiate Event ................................................267<br />
B. ITA All-American Championships (Men and Women) .............................................268<br />
C. ITA National Small College Championships (Men and Women) ...........................268<br />
D. ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships<br />
(Men and Women).......................................................................................................268<br />
E. <strong>USTA</strong>/ITA National Team Indoor Championships<br />
(Men and Women).......................................................................................................268<br />
F. ITA Division III National Team Indoor Championships (Men)..............................268<br />
V. Tournament Management..............................................................................................268<br />
A. Meetings.......................................................................................................................268<br />
B. Ball Change in ITA Division I National Tournaments..............................................268<br />
242 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT ITA CHANGES FOR<br />
<strong>2010</strong> EDITION OF <strong>FRIEND</strong> <strong>AT</strong> <strong>COURT</strong><br />
[p. 251] ITA Regulation I.H.1. was revised to allow one medical timeout for<br />
Division I men’s and women’s divisions. Exceptions are the Bleeding Timeout and<br />
the Medical Timeout taken for a bathroom visit at an unauthorized time.<br />
[p. 253] ITA Regulation I.I.1. was revised to provide that extreme heat situations<br />
do apply to team <strong>com</strong>petition (dual meets).<br />
[p. 253] ITA Regulation I.J.3. requires all coaches to be registered with their<br />
respective schools.<br />
[p. 254] ITA Regulation I.L.1.a. tightens the tennis ball requirements for Division I,<br />
II, NAIA, Junior/Community college men’s and women’s divisions.<br />
[p. 255] ITA Regulation I.M. tightens the seeding ratio for collegiate tournaments.<br />
[p. 256] ITA Regulation II.A.8. was updated to clarify the match format for Men’s<br />
and Women’s Division III matches shall be 3-6 with nine team points and requires<br />
5 minutes rest for those divisions after their doubles match.<br />
[p. 257] ITA Regulation II.B.12. tightens determining the winner of a team meet.<br />
[p. 258] ITA Regulation II.B.13.c. requires indoor facilities to meet the same<br />
playable conditions as outdoor facilities.<br />
[p. 261] ITA Regulation II.H.3.a. tightens the carry-over code violations after a<br />
match is over in a team <strong>com</strong>petition.<br />
[p. 263] ITA Regulation II.I.2. tightens the team penalty for being late.<br />
[p. 264] ITA Regulation II.K.5. sets new regulations for line-up changes once a<br />
match has begun.<br />
[p. 264] ITA Regulation II.K.7. sets new regulations for removing a player from a<br />
doubles line up if a team has 6 or less healthy players.<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 243
FAC EDITORS’ NOTE<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> officials are often called upon to officiate at intercollegiate events. This<br />
section contains the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) officiating<br />
regulations. These regulations are followed at most intercollegiate events.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulations are in effect in college tennis except where explicitly<br />
superseded by ITA, NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, or Conference Rules.<br />
Those ITA regulations that are substantially different from <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations<br />
have been set in Bold Italics. ITA rules vary from <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations in the<br />
following major areas:<br />
• Overrule on verbal appeal only;<br />
• Carry over of Point Penalty System;<br />
• Player who changes call from out to good loses point;<br />
• Receiver’s partner may not stand in service box; and<br />
• Medical timeout procedure.<br />
There are no corresponding <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations for the following ITA<br />
Regulations.<br />
• I.E.5. ITA Carry-Over Rules;<br />
• I.F. Restrictions on Players and Spectators;<br />
• I.J. Coaching;<br />
• I.K. Coaches’ Code of Conduct; and<br />
• II. Team Competition.<br />
Before officiating at an ITA event, officials should confirm whether any<br />
new changes have been adopted by the ITA and should check the “Rules”<br />
section of the ITA website, www.itatennis.<strong>com</strong>.<br />
RULES, REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS & TOURNAMENT PROCEDURES<br />
The purpose of the official ITA Rulebook is to codify for college players,<br />
coaches and <strong>USTA</strong> certified officials all the rules and regulations, and<br />
tournament procedures which are unique to college tennis, as well as to<br />
highlight those <strong>USTA</strong> rules which most often apply to college tennis.<br />
These rules govern all collegiate play, except in the few cases where a specific<br />
conference rule, NAIA, or NCAA tournament rule differs from the ITA<br />
rule. In this case the conference rule, NAIA, or NCAA rule will take<br />
precedence over the ITA rule. Otherwise, all ITA coaches are expected to follow<br />
the ITA rules as closely as possible. Failure to do so should be reported<br />
immediately to the ITA Ethics and Infractions Committee and the ITA National<br />
Tournament Committees.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Rules and Regulations are in effect in college tennis except where<br />
explicitly superseded by ITA, NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, or Conference Rules.<br />
244 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
ITA Board of Directors<br />
December 2009
I. INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION—SINGLES AND DOUBLES TOURNAMENTS<br />
A. The Code<br />
All college match play will follow the principles set out in “The Code”<br />
except where these rules provide otherwise.<br />
B. Calls in Matches with a Solo Chair Umpire or with no Chair Umpire and no<br />
Line Umpires<br />
Many college matches are played without the assistance of a Chair Umpire<br />
and Line Umpires. Some matches are officiated by a Solo Chair Umpire. In all<br />
these matches, the players have the primary responsibility for making the<br />
calls. The following principles apply in these matches.<br />
1. Player makes calls on his side of the court. Each player shall make all<br />
calls on his side of the court. A Solo Chair Umpire or Roving Umpire<br />
shall not assist the player in making any call with any kind of verbal or<br />
non-verbal signal.<br />
2. Opponent gets benefit of the doubt. Whenever a player is in doubt he<br />
shall make the call in favor of his opponent. Balls should be called “out”<br />
only when there is a space visible between the ball and the line. A player<br />
shall never seek aid from a Solo Chair Umpire, spectator, teammate or<br />
coach in making a line call.<br />
3. Disagreement between partners over a call. A doubles partner is<br />
obligated to disagree with his partner if an erroneous “out” call is made.<br />
When doubles partners disagree on a call, the point goes to the<br />
opposing team. The point is never replayed.<br />
4. Balls that a player does not see. There are no “unsighted” calls. If a<br />
player does not see his opponent’s shot, he shall call the ball good. A<br />
player shall never seek aid from a Solo Chair Umpire, spectator,<br />
teammate or coach in making a line call.<br />
5. Solo Chair Umpire and Roving Umpires shall not give assistance on<br />
unsighted balls. The Solo Chair Umpire and Roving Umpires shall not<br />
give assistance on balls that a player does not see.<br />
6. Out calls must be made immediately. “Out” calls must be made<br />
immediately. The call shall be made before either an opponent has hit<br />
the return or the return has gone out of play. If no immediate audible or<br />
visible call is made, the ball shall be considered good.<br />
a. Clay court procedure. A player may quickly check a mark before<br />
making a call on his side of the net.<br />
7. Correcting an erroneous “out” call—opponent wins point. A player shall<br />
reverse his “out” call if he realizes that he has made a mistake or if<br />
he is uncertain of the call. The point goes to the opponent. It is never<br />
played over.<br />
8. Obligation of player to call his own ball “out” if he clearly sees it out. A<br />
player shall call his own ball “out” if he clearly sees that it is out. This rule<br />
does not apply to a player’s first serve. See rule C.2. and C.3.<br />
9. How to challenge an opponent’s call. An opponent’s call may be<br />
challenged by the query: “Are you sure of your call?” No further<br />
discussion or delay is permitted. If the player making the call is<br />
uncertain, he loses the point. It is never played over.<br />
10. Players shall not cross the net to point out a mark or discuss a problem.<br />
A player shall not cross the net to point out a mark or discuss a<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 245
problem. A player who does shall be penalized under the ITA Point<br />
Penalty System.<br />
11. Touches, invasion of opponent’s court, reaching over the net, and double<br />
bounces. Calls involving a ball touching a player, a player touching the<br />
net, a player touching his opponent’s court, hitting an opponent’s return<br />
before it has passed the net, and a double bounce must be called by the<br />
player <strong>com</strong>mitting the infraction. If there is a Solo Chair Umpire, he also<br />
may make these calls. A Roving Umpire who observes the incident may<br />
make the call if he directly observed the incident with or without an<br />
appeal from a player.<br />
12. Lets. There are no lets in college tennis except for a service let, an<br />
interruption by an official or a spectator, and when play is interfered<br />
with by an outside object. In Men’s Division I, there are no service<br />
lets. If the serve hits the net and goes into the service box, the ball is<br />
in play. Either player may call a service let if the player does so at the<br />
instant when the let occurs. A Solo Chair Umpire may call service lets.<br />
Requests for lets may not be made after a point is ended. A service let<br />
call can be appealed and is an overrule if disallowed. The Solo Chair<br />
Umpire umpire or the Roving Official shall call a let if he concludes that<br />
a player is unaware of an invading object that is endangering him.<br />
13. Only a coach or player may request a Line Umpire or Referee. Only a<br />
coach or the player involved may request the presence of a Line Umpire<br />
or Referee. The coach may physically go get the Line Umpire or Referee.<br />
Play may be temporarily halted while the coach or the player seeks a<br />
Referee or Line Umpire. Nonetheless, play must resume within five<br />
minutes, even if attempts are still being made to obtain a Line Umpire.<br />
14. Foot fault judges. A player or coach may request a foot fault judge. A<br />
player may request that an opponent avoid foot faults. A player shall not<br />
call a foot fault on an opponent. All foot faults must be called by an<br />
Umpire, Referee, or Roving Umpire. A Roving Umpire or Referee need<br />
not be stationed on the baseline in order to call foot faults so long as his<br />
position gives him a clear view of the fault.<br />
15. Server shall call score before each point. The server shall call the score<br />
before each point except when there is a Solo Chair Umpire or<br />
scorekeeper assigned to the match.<br />
16. Settling disagreements over the score. If a disagreement over the score<br />
occurs, the methods for settling the dispute in order of preference are:<br />
— Count all points and games agreed upon by the players, with only the<br />
disputed points or games being replayed;<br />
— Resume play from a score mutually agreeable to the players;<br />
— Use a coin flip.<br />
17. Solo Chair Umpire shall not overrule call unless player immediately<br />
appeals for overrule. A Solo Chair Umpire shall not overrule a call<br />
unless it is challenged verbally at that moment (not at the end of the<br />
point) by the opposing player. The Solo Chair Umpire shall not<br />
prompt the request for an appeal.<br />
18. Overrules by certified Roving Umpires. If appealed to, a certified Roving<br />
Umpire may overrule a call if he is on that court or if he directly<br />
observed the call.<br />
246 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
19. Player who has been overruled twice shall thereafter be penalized under<br />
the Point Penalty System. If the Solo Chair Umpire and Roving<br />
Umpires have overruled a player or doubles team twice, the Umpire<br />
shall penalize each subsequent overrule under the ITA Point Penalty<br />
System. The failure to have an appeal upheld is not treated as an<br />
overrule.<br />
20. Excessive appeals for the apparent sake of disrupting play. A Solo Chair<br />
Umpire shall caution any player making excessive appeals for the<br />
apparent sake of disrupting play. Thereafter, if the Solo Chair Umpire<br />
determines that the player is making appeals for the apparent sake of<br />
disrupting play, he may penalize the player under the ITA Point<br />
Penalty System.<br />
C. Service and Service Returns<br />
1. No more than twenty seconds between points. Both the server and<br />
receiver must be ready to begin the next point within twenty seconds<br />
of when the ball went out of play. Each player has the right to the full<br />
twenty seconds to prepare for the next point.<br />
2. Server’s appeal of a first serve that receiver calls good. The server (or<br />
server’s partner in doubles) may make a first volley or half-volley of<br />
the return of an out first serve which was played before appealing to<br />
the Chair Umpire or Roving Umpire for an overrule. But if the server<br />
(and the server’s partner in doubles) remains in the back court, the<br />
appeal must be made before hitting the ball.<br />
• If the appeal is granted, the server gets a second serve.<br />
• If the appeal is not granted, then the point goes to the receiver.<br />
A server whose appeal is denied is not subject to penalty under the ITA<br />
Point Penalty System by virtue of the failure of his appeal.<br />
3. Feinting, changing position, and intentional distraction. A player may feint<br />
with the body while the ball is in play. A player may change position at any<br />
time, including while the server is tossing the ball. Any movement or<br />
sound that is made solely to distract an opponent, including, but not<br />
limited to, waving the arms or racket or stamping the feet, is not allowed.<br />
The receiver’s partner shall not stand in the receiver’s service box before or<br />
during the serve. If a player does so, he shall be warned that if he does<br />
so again he is subject to being penalized under the ITA Point Penalty<br />
System.<br />
4. Player should not return obviously out serves. A player should not<br />
return a serve that is obviously out even when the return is<br />
ac<strong>com</strong>panied by an “out” call. This is a form of rudeness or<br />
gamesmanship. A player may return a fast serve that just misses the<br />
line inasmuch as the return is often a matter of self-protection.<br />
5. Receiver who corrects his fault call to good loses the point. If the<br />
receiver returns a ball and simultaneously calls a fault and then<br />
changes his call to good, then the receiver loses the point because of<br />
interference of play, even if the return is good.<br />
6. If receiver is ready, then his partner is deemed ready. If the receiver has<br />
indicated that he is ready and the server serves an ace, the receiver’s<br />
partner cannot claim a let because he was not ready. The receiver’s<br />
indication of being ready is tantamount to indicating that his team is ready.<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 247
D. ITA Scoring Systems<br />
1. NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA, and Junior and Community College<br />
Matches. Regular scoring shall be used in all the ITA national, regional,<br />
and sanctioned matches, unless both coaches agree otherwise.<br />
E. ITA Point Penalty System, Defaults, and Unintentional Time Violations<br />
1. Unsportsmanlike conduct is punished under ITA Point Penalty System.<br />
Ethical and sportsmanlike conduct of players must be observed at all<br />
times. Inappropriate conduct includes but is not limited to:<br />
— Visible or audible obscenity or profanity;<br />
— Racquet abuse;<br />
— Ball abuse;<br />
— Verbal or physical abuse of an official or player;<br />
— Delay after a timeout, treatment at a changeover, being directed to<br />
resume play, or a time violation;<br />
— Being overruled more than two times; and<br />
— Unsportsmanlike conduct.<br />
A player who engages in such conduct <strong>com</strong>mits a code violation and, he is<br />
subject to being penalized under the ITA Point Penalty System.<br />
2. Referee should advise players and coaches about the ITA Point Penalty<br />
System. The Referee should always issue a general explanation to players<br />
and coaches before the match about the ITA Point Penalty System. He<br />
should define appropriate court behavior and enumerate specific types of<br />
conduct violations and unsportsmanlike conduct in general.<br />
3. ITA Schedule of Penalties. The “Warning” is not a part of the ITA Point<br />
Penalty System, which consists of the following:<br />
a. Point Penalty<br />
b. Game Penalty<br />
c. Disqualification<br />
4. Referee has sole power to default players during dual meet matches and<br />
ITA sanctioned tournaments. The Referee has sole power to default<br />
players during dual meet matches and ITA sanctioned tournaments. If<br />
there is a Chair Umpire or Roving Umpire, they are empowered to assess<br />
point and game penalties but must inform the Referee in case a default<br />
must be assessed.<br />
Time Period<br />
During Singles Match<br />
Between Singles and<br />
Doubles Matches<br />
During Doubles Match<br />
After Doubles Match<br />
When Penalty Is Assessed<br />
During Singles Match<br />
If there is another singles match,<br />
assess at start of that match;<br />
otherwise assess at start of next<br />
doubles match<br />
During Doubles Match<br />
If there is another doubles match,<br />
assess at start of next doubles<br />
match; otherwise assess at start of<br />
next singles match<br />
248 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
5. ITA Carry-Over Rules. The following ITA carry over rules shall be used in<br />
national and sanctioned singles and doubles tournaments:<br />
a. Penalties assessed during a match do not carry over to next<br />
match. The ITA Point Penalty System is cumulative throughout<br />
any individual singles or doubles match, but is also selfcontained.<br />
All penalties assessed during a match will be erased at<br />
the end of the match. The next match (whether singles or<br />
doubles) will start with a “clean slate.”<br />
b. Carry-over of code violations occurring after a match is over to<br />
player’s next match. If a player <strong>com</strong>mits a code violation after his<br />
singles match is over, the penalty shall be assessed:<br />
• At the start of his next singles match (consolation or main<br />
draw); but<br />
• If he has been eliminated from all singles <strong>com</strong>petitions, then the<br />
penalty will be assessed at the start of his next doubles match.<br />
If a player <strong>com</strong>mits a code violation after his doubles<br />
match is over, the penalty shall be assessed:<br />
• At the start of his next doubles match; but<br />
• If the player has been eliminated from the doubles<br />
<strong>com</strong>petition, the penalty will be assessed at the start of his<br />
next singles match. (Note that in this case the penalty will be<br />
assessed against only the player who <strong>com</strong>mitted the<br />
violation and not against both team members.)<br />
c. Carry-over penalties are not part of progressive schedule of<br />
penalties for next match. When a penalty is assessed under the<br />
carry-over provision, that penalty does not count as part of the<br />
progressive schedule of penalties for that match. For example,<br />
Player A, who has just lost, <strong>com</strong>mits a code violation after his<br />
singles match. Player A is entitled to play in the singles<br />
consolation so the penalty will be assessed at the start of his<br />
consolation match. He then <strong>com</strong>mits a code violation during the<br />
consolation match. He is assessed a point penalty for that<br />
violation.<br />
d. Multiple Offenses. The Point Penalty System is in effect for carry<br />
over purposes. If more than one violation occurs following a<br />
player’s participation, that player may be subject to a game<br />
penalty or disqualification to be applied under the carry over<br />
provisions.<br />
e. Singles player who is defaulted may normally play doubles. A<br />
player who is defaulted in singles may play doubles, except when<br />
the Referee (or the Referee in consultation with the Games<br />
Committee in the case of an ITA national or sanctioned event)<br />
determine that extraordinary and extreme circumstances (eg. see<br />
paragraph 9. below) exist which require that he be barred from<br />
playing doubles.<br />
f. Doubles player who is defaulted may normally play singles. A<br />
member of a doubles team that is defaulted may play singles,<br />
except when the Referee (or the Referee in consultation with the<br />
Games Committee in the case of an ITA national or sanctioned<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 249
event) determine that extraordinary and extreme circumstances (eg.<br />
see paragraph 9. below) exist which require that he be barred from<br />
playing singles.<br />
g. In doubles, code violations are assessed against the team and not<br />
individually. In doubles, the players are penalized as a team and not<br />
as individual players.<br />
6. Time violations. Time violations occur when a player takes more than 20<br />
seconds between points or takes more than 90 seconds on<br />
changeovers. A warning shall be given for the first violation.<br />
Subsequent delays shall be penalized by a point loss for each violation,<br />
with no accumulation. These violations are not part of the ITA Point<br />
Penalty system.<br />
7. Player who has been overruled twice shall thereafter be penalized under<br />
the Point Penalty System. If the Solo Chair Umpire and Roving<br />
Umpires have overruled a player or doubles team twice, the Umpire<br />
shall penalize each subsequent overrule under the ITA Point Penalty<br />
System. The failure to have an appeal upheld is not treated as an<br />
overrule.<br />
8. Physical contact prohibited. All physical contact between opposing<br />
players, opposing coaches, a player and a coach, a player and an official<br />
or a coach and an official is strictly prohibited. The Referee (or the<br />
Referee in consultation with the Games Committee in the case of ITA<br />
national and sanctioned events) shall immediately default any player<br />
who initiates contact.<br />
a. Singles player is barred from playing doubles. If the offense takes<br />
place in singles and the offending player is playing doubles, he<br />
shall be barred from doubles. Another player may be substituted<br />
for the player who has been barred only if the original team has<br />
not played a match and if the substitution would not change the<br />
seedings.<br />
b. Doubles player is barred from playing singles. If the offense takes<br />
place in doubles, the offending player shall be barred from playing<br />
singles.<br />
9. Player outbursts may be penalized. An official following an appeal, who<br />
hears a verbal outburst or grunting that is loud enough to disrupt play on a<br />
neighboring court, shall caution the player that subsequent outbursts shall<br />
be penalized under the ITA Point Penalty System.<br />
10. Referee at ITA national and sanctioned events may disqualify a player<br />
after consultation with the Games Committee. The Referee of ITA<br />
national and sanctioned events may disqualify a player after<br />
consultation with the Games Committee. The Referee is always a<br />
member of the Games Committee at all ITA and sanctioned events.<br />
11. Referee shall report defaults to ITA Ethics and Infractions Committee. In<br />
all cases involving a player default, the tournament Referee must write a<br />
report of this incident to the ITA Ethics and Infractions Committee.The<br />
Committee may contact the Director of Athletics of the player’s school.<br />
12. Player or coach ejected from match. A player or coach ejected from a<br />
match must leave the tennis venue for the duration of the team match and<br />
not be in an area where they are visible, in viewing distance.<br />
250 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
13. Spitting. Spitting at or in the direction of an opponent or an official will be a<br />
code violation and possible default. Spitting on the Court will be cautioned.<br />
The player will be asked to spit off the Court or through the fence. If the<br />
player continues to spit on the Court, it will be a code violation.<br />
F. Restrictions on Players and Spectators<br />
1. Spectators and other players barred from the court and adjacent court<br />
in men’s tennis. In men’s tennis, no players or spectators shall be<br />
allowed on the playing court or an adjacent court other than the<br />
participants, except to attend to an ill or injured player.<br />
2. Fellow women’s players may get no closer than the center service line of<br />
the adjacent court. In women’s tennis, players are permitted no closer<br />
than the center service line on the adjacent court. The Referee may<br />
move the players further away.<br />
3. Harassment of players prohibited. Team members and their spectators<br />
shall not harass opposing team players. Electronic sound devices shall<br />
not be used during play.<br />
a. Harassment directed at individual match:<br />
i. A warning may be given to the offender and the coach; and<br />
ii. A point penalty shall be assessed at each following occurrence.<br />
b. Harassment not match specific. If the harassment is not match<br />
specific, the following steps shall be taken for continuing<br />
infractions:<br />
i. A warning may be given to the offender and the coach.<br />
ii. A point penalty shall be assessed immediately against the<br />
highest match in progress.<br />
iii. A point penalty shall be assessed immediately against every<br />
match in progress.<br />
iv. Repeat the third step (iii.) each time the harassment occurs.<br />
G. Warm-up<br />
1. Five minute warm-up under normal conditions. Players shall have a<br />
maximum of five minutes for warm-up before a match, unless the teams<br />
were not able to take their thirty minute warm-up before the start of the<br />
team match, in which case a ten minute warm-up is permitted. The Chair<br />
Umpire or tournament Referee shall time the warm-up. Otherwise the<br />
coaches must oversee the warm-up period.<br />
2. All warm-up serves must be taken before the start of play. All warm-up<br />
serves must be taken before the start of play. If the match is umpired,<br />
the Umpire should give a warning when two minutes are left in the<br />
warm-up.<br />
3. Match starts with warm-up. The official start of a match is marked when<br />
the on court warm-up begins between the two opponents (or two<br />
doubles teams). It is mandatory to warm-up with the opponent/<br />
opposing doubles team.<br />
H. Timeouts, Bathroom Breaks, and Equipment Adjustment<br />
1. Medical timeout. The <strong>USTA</strong> medical timeout regulation, <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
III.E. and <strong>USTA</strong> Table 10, applies with the following exceptions:<br />
a. In NCAA Division I, a player may have one medical timeout per<br />
match. Should the player need an additional medical timeout, the<br />
player will be retired. Exceptions are the bleeding timeout (which<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 251
follows <strong>USTA</strong> Rules) and the medical timeout taken for a bathroom<br />
visit at an unauthorized time.<br />
b. All other Divisions. NCAA Division II & III, NAIA and Junior/<br />
Community College will default to the <strong>USTA</strong> medical timeout rule.<br />
c. In all Divisions, a player may have one medical timeout during the<br />
warm-up and another medical timeout during the match for the<br />
same condition, following <strong>USTA</strong> Rules.<br />
d. Coach may assist. When an obvious injury occurs, a coach may<br />
assist and touch the player until a trainer arrives to diagnose and<br />
treat the injury.<br />
e. Length of timeout. Once the trainer reaches the player, the<br />
trainer has a maximum of five minutes for diagnosis and<br />
treatment. The maximum amount of time for treatment shall be<br />
three minutes.<br />
f. A trainer shall always be available to assist the player.<br />
g. <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.F. Toilet visit does not apply.<br />
h. Player may be treated on any changeover.<br />
2. Bathroom breaks. A player must ask an official for a designated<br />
“bathroom break.” The official may refuse this request if he determines<br />
that the player is resorting to gamesmanship. Division I women are<br />
allowed reasonable time for bathroom breaks and should take them on a<br />
90-second changeover or set break.<br />
If a player is able to take a bathroom break during the 90-second<br />
changeover, this is permitted in addition to the bathroom breaks<br />
described above.<br />
3. No bathroom breaks in Men’s Division I Tennis. No bathroom breaks<br />
shall be permitted in Men’s Division I Tennis. Men will have 90<br />
seconds during the changeover to use the bathroom. After 90<br />
seconds, the player will be subject to time violation penalties<br />
(Warning, Point, Point, etc.) If no bathroom is available within a<br />
reasonable distance from the courts, it is the responsibility of the<br />
coaches and the Referee to determine prior to the start of the match,<br />
how much time may be allowed. If a bathroom break is necessary for<br />
medical problems, the break is to be treated as a medical timeout.<br />
4. Contact lenses. Loss of a contact lens is considered an equipment<br />
timeout. The Referee or Umpire may give the player up to fifteen<br />
minutes to take care of the problem.<br />
5. Foreign objects in the eye. The Referee or Umpire may give a player who<br />
gets dust, an insect, or a foreign object in his eye a three minute timeout<br />
to take care of the problem.<br />
6. Refusal to give timeout when underlying purpose is gamesmanship.<br />
The Referee or Umpire may refuse to give a player a timeout he is<br />
otherwise entitled to receive if the Referee concludes that the player is<br />
clearly resorting to gamesmanship.<br />
7. Player who defaults from singles consolations normally may not play<br />
doubles later that day. A player who is defaulted or retires from the<br />
consolation singles due to injury or loss of conditioning may not play in<br />
the main draw doubles later the same day. The Games <strong>com</strong>mittee may<br />
waive this rule if a doctor or on-site official trainer confers with the player<br />
and provides written documentation of the injury or loss of condition.<br />
252 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
I. Rest Periods, Continuous Play, and Time Between Matches<br />
1. No rest periods between second and third sets. There shall be no rest<br />
period between the second and third sets. Extreme Heat: If the<br />
temperature is 90° at the start of the match, the players shall be<br />
offered a 10 minute rest period between the second and third sets.<br />
Extreme heat situations apply to team <strong>com</strong>petition (dual meets).<br />
2. Ninety seconds allowed for changeovers. When changing ends a<br />
maximum of ninety seconds shall elapse from the moment the ball goes<br />
out of play at the end of the game to the time the ball is struck for the<br />
first point of the next game. Umpires, if any, should call “Time” after one<br />
minute in order to get the players back on the court if they haven’t<br />
already left their chairs.<br />
3. Rests between matches. After a match that lasts more than one hour, a<br />
player may receive a rest period of up to 45 minutes. After a match that<br />
lasts more than one and one half hours, a player may receive a rest<br />
period of up to one hour. The Games Committee has the discretion to<br />
modify these rules.<br />
J. Coaching<br />
1. When coaching is allowed. A coach may coach a player any time during<br />
the match so long as he does not interfere with play. Coaches shall be<br />
designated before the doubles matches and may only be redesignated<br />
before the singles matches. Use of electronic <strong>com</strong>munication devices<br />
(e.g. walkie-talkies and cell phones) is prohibited.<br />
2. Penalties when coach interferes with play. The purpose of coaching is to<br />
offer advice to the player. Coaches shall not in any way distract or<br />
annoy the opposing player. If a coach in any way interferes with play or<br />
distracts an opposing player at any time, he shall receive a direct<br />
warning from the Referee or Umpire. For any subsequent violation, his<br />
player, on the court where the violation occurred, shall be assessed a<br />
point penalty. Penalties for coaching are not treated as part of the ITA<br />
Point Penalty System, and they do not accumulate.<br />
3. Who may coach. Coaching is permitted by the head coach and two<br />
designated coaches, who may be an assistant coach and/or a registered<br />
volunteer coach and/or player. All assistant coaches and volunteer<br />
coaches must be on the institutional coaching list and registered with<br />
their respective school. Two coaches may coach on the same court at one<br />
time.<br />
4. Where coaches may coach. A coach may sit or stand near the net post<br />
and must stay within the area where the players’ chairs or benches are<br />
located or should be provided. The coach’s movement shall be limited<br />
so as to not distract the players. A coach may change courts when his<br />
movement will not interrupt play. Coaching is permitted outside the<br />
fence perimeter. On an empty adjacent court, the coach may stand at the<br />
doubles sideline on the same side as his own player. On the opponent’s<br />
side, he must remain at midcourt. Coaches may coach within the lines<br />
of the court only during a changeover or set break.<br />
5. Conversations of coach with opposing player banned. A coach shall not<br />
initiate a conversation with the opposing player or in any way get involved<br />
with an on-court problem, except at the request of the Solo Chair Umpire,<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 253
tournament Referee, or the player or the coach of the player involved. At<br />
no time should a player initiate a conversation with an opposing coach.<br />
Violation of these provisions by the coach are subject to the Coach’s Code<br />
of Conduct, Violations by the player shall result in the application of the<br />
Point Penalty System.<br />
6. On court problems. If a coach needs to be consulted due to a problem on<br />
the court, it is desirable for the opposing coach to be present.<br />
7. No Cheerleading. Coaches shall not cheerlead. A simple “good shot” or<br />
a polite clap is not considered cheerleading.<br />
K. Coaches’ Code of Conduct<br />
The conduct of coaches before, during, and after any <strong>com</strong>petition must be<br />
exemplary.<br />
Any deviation from this standard shall result in:<br />
— a direct warning from the Referee or Umpire;<br />
— if the coach’s behavior continues following the warning, the Referee<br />
or official shall immediately assess a point penalty against his player<br />
(on the court where the behavior occurred); if the behavior occurs<br />
off court, the point shall be assessed immediately on the highest<br />
match in progress; if the behavior occurs between the doubles and<br />
singles matches, then the penalties shall be assessed on the singles<br />
match once it begins; if the Referee assesses the penalty, there shall<br />
be no appeal; if an official assesses the penalty, the coach may<br />
appeal to the Referee, whose decision shall be final;<br />
— if there are any further behavior problems with the coach, the<br />
Referee may bar the coach from continuing to coach for the rest of<br />
the event; and<br />
— if the coach continues to coach, the Referee may declare a default of<br />
all the coach’s players and teams whose matches are still in progress.<br />
If the Referee bars a coach from further coaching or if he declares a<br />
default, then he shall write a report to the coach’s Athletic Director and<br />
send a copy to the ITA Ethics and Infractions Committee.<br />
L. Equipment and Attire<br />
1. Tennis Balls<br />
a. Ball usage. In NCAA Division I singles: one can of balls (3 balls)<br />
per set must be used, and in doubles: four (4) balls per doubles<br />
pro-set must be used. In all other Divisions, a minimum of three<br />
new yellow tennis balls, ITF-approved, shall be provided for each<br />
match. The balls shall be changed at the end of the second set. In<br />
doubles, four (4) balls per doubles pro-set must be used.<br />
b. Wilson balls required for ITA national and regional championships<br />
and all ITA sanctioned events. The official tennis ball of ITA is the<br />
Wilson ball. It must be used in all ITA national and regional<br />
championships, and all ITA sanctioned events.<br />
c. Wilson balls re<strong>com</strong>mended for dual matches. Whenever possible<br />
ITA coaches should use the Wilson tennis ball in all dual meet<br />
matches.<br />
d. Replacement of lost or damaged balls. In a Solo Chair Umpired<br />
match, the Umpire shall decide when to replace a lost or damaged<br />
254 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
all. The Referee shall make this decision in all other situations. If<br />
a Referee is not available, then both coaches must agree on this<br />
decision. Lost or damaged balls shall be replaced with used balls<br />
of <strong>com</strong>parable wear except when a ball is lost or damaged within<br />
two games of when new balls were introduced.<br />
2. Tennis Attire<br />
a. Whenever possible, all ITA <strong>com</strong>petitors should wear their official team<br />
uniform during <strong>com</strong>petition, warm-up, and the awards<br />
ceremonies. If official uniforms are not available, wearing apparel<br />
with school emblems or initials are re<strong>com</strong>mended.<br />
b. College players’ use of all athletic equipment and clothing from a<br />
manufacturer or <strong>com</strong>mercial enterprise shall adhere strictly to<br />
NCAA rules.<br />
M. Seeding—Ratio of 1 to 4<br />
Players may be seeded in a ratio of one seed per four players.<br />
N. Penalties for Lateness at Start of Match<br />
1. Default after 15 minutes. In all ITA events (singles, doubles & team), the<br />
Referee, after consultation with the Games Committee, may default a<br />
player or team for being 15 minutes late for the starting time of the match.<br />
2. Game penalties for lateness. If a court is available, the Referee may<br />
penalize the late player or team one game for each 5 minutes or fraction<br />
thereof of lateness. The late player or team also loses the toss. No more<br />
than three games shall be assessed for lateness.<br />
O. Post Match Interviews<br />
In all ITA national championship events, the players shall make themselves<br />
available upon request for media interviews within 10 minutes of the<br />
<strong>com</strong>pletion of their matches. Failure to do so may result in the Men’s or<br />
Women’s ITA National Tournament Committee disqualifying the player from<br />
the tournament or from the next ITA Collegiate Rankings.<br />
P. Eligibility for Collegiate Competition<br />
Only players who are considered eligible for intercollegiate <strong>com</strong>petition at the<br />
time of entry:<br />
by their school;<br />
their conference (if any); AND<br />
by their National governing body (e.g. NCAA or NAIA)<br />
shall be eligible to participate in ITA sanctioned events and regional and<br />
national collegiate championships. This rule applies equally to players who<br />
are playing “unattached.”<br />
Junior players not yet matriculating at a college level and professional<br />
players not in school shall not <strong>com</strong>pete in these intercollegiate events.<br />
II. TEAM COMPETITION—DUAL MEET M<strong>AT</strong>CHES AND TEAM TOURNAMENTS<br />
A. Formats for Team Play<br />
1. Six Singles followed by Three Doubles with Nine Team Points (6-3<br />
Format). The format is six best-of-three set singles matches<br />
followed by three eight game pro set doubles matches with a<br />
tie-break at eight games all.<br />
2. Three Doubles followed by Six Singles (3-6 Format). The format is<br />
three eight game pro set doubles matches with a 12 point<br />
tie-break at eight games all followed by six best-of-three set<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 255
singles matches.<br />
3. Team Point formats. Team point are awarded in one of two ways.<br />
a. Seven team points. Each singles match is worth one point.<br />
The team that wins two or more of the three doubles<br />
matches receives one point. Four or more points are<br />
required to win the team match.<br />
b. Nine team points. Each singles and doubles match is worth<br />
one point for a total of nine points. Five or more points are<br />
required to win the team match.<br />
4. Matches shall be played to <strong>com</strong>pletion. All matches shall be<br />
played to <strong>com</strong>pletion. Once the out<strong>com</strong>e of the doubles point (in a<br />
seven team point format) has been determined, the remaining<br />
match shall be played with a shortened format, with a 7-point<br />
Tiebreak if the score reaches 7-7. Once the out<strong>com</strong>e of the team<br />
match has been decided, a shortened format shall be played unless<br />
both coaches agree otherwise. Matches still in the second set shall<br />
play a Match Tiebreak for the third set. Any match already in the<br />
third set shall be played to <strong>com</strong>pletion. A match that has not<br />
started shall be the best of three sets with a Match Tiebreak in lieu<br />
of the third set.<br />
5. Men’s and Women’s Division I (3-6). The Men’s and Women’s<br />
Division I format is 3-6 with seven team points. Players are given<br />
a 10 minute break after their doubles matches. Should there be a<br />
last minute change in the singles line-up, the opposing coach may<br />
continue to meet with his players for up to an additional 5 minutes<br />
after the line-up change is presented.<br />
6. Other authorized Division I formats. In Division I, other formats<br />
may be used as long as at least six individual players per team are<br />
involved, both coaches agree on the format, and the format used<br />
is not in conflict with conference rules.<br />
7. Men’s and Women’s Division II (3-6). The format in Division II is<br />
3-6 with nine team points.<br />
8. Men's and Women's Division III (3-6). The format for men's and<br />
women's Division III is 3-6 with nine team points. Players are<br />
given a 5 minute break after their doubles matches.<br />
9. Men’s and Women’s NAIA (3-6). The re<strong>com</strong>mended format in<br />
Men’s and Women’s NAIA is 3-6 with seven team points. Each<br />
conference determines the format to be used.<br />
10. Men’s and Women’s NAIA National Championships (3-6). The<br />
format for the National Championships is 3-6 with nine team<br />
points.<br />
11. Men’s and Women’s Junior and Community College (6-3). The<br />
format in Men’s and Women’s Junior and Community College<br />
matches is 6-3 with nine team points.<br />
B. General Rules<br />
1. Rules for individual <strong>com</strong>petition apply unless stated otherwise. The<br />
rules for individual <strong>com</strong>petition shall apply for team <strong>com</strong>petition unless<br />
specifically stated otherwise.<br />
2. Conference rules. Conference rules shall supersede ITA rules when<br />
matches are played between two teams within the same conference.<br />
256 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
3. Matches between schools from different conferences. If a dual meet<br />
match is played between teams from different conferences, then ITA<br />
rules shall be followed.<br />
4. Written contracts. Competing schools must sign written contracts for<br />
dual matches. These contracts should be initiated by the home team and<br />
should include all specified agreements or arrangements, such as<br />
practice times and courts, starting time of match, use of indoor facilities,<br />
scoring system, match format, balls, etc. The failure of a team to honor<br />
the contract shall result in a default.<br />
5. Limits on number of players who may play. There is no limit on the<br />
number of players who may play in a dual meet match, unless<br />
limitations are agreed to in the written contract signed by both schools<br />
or unless conference rules provide otherwise. There may be a limit<br />
placed on the number of players allowed to play in other sanctioned<br />
team <strong>com</strong>petitions. The <strong>USTA</strong>/ITA National Indoor Championships limits<br />
each team to a maximum of eight players.<br />
6. Bona fide institutional representative. Each team should be ac<strong>com</strong>panied<br />
by a bona fide institutional representative at all matches.<br />
7. Home coach is responsible for spectator conduct. The home coach<br />
shall make sure that the behavior of the spectators remains fair and<br />
non-abusive. Under no circumstances may alcoholic beverages be<br />
permitted at the site of a collegiate tennis match. Failure of the coach to<br />
insure proper behavior shall result in the application of the ITA Point<br />
Penalty System against the home team and in extreme cases, forfeiture<br />
of the match.<br />
8. Constitution of a team match for Small Colleges for ITA Ranking<br />
Purposes. In small college tennis, a collegiate team match must consist<br />
of six singles and three doubles to be considered for ITA team ranking.<br />
9. Order of play on fewer than six courts. If fewer than six courts are being<br />
used, start the singles with the number one match and continue starting<br />
matches in numerical order.<br />
10. Matches are best of three sets. All singles matches in a team meet shall<br />
be best of three sets. All doubles matches in a team meet shall be an<br />
eight game pro set.<br />
11. Unfinished matches don’t count. Unfinished individual singles and doubles<br />
matches shall not count in any way toward the final team scores. Unplayed<br />
matches in ITA sanctioned tournaments do not count towards a player’s<br />
win/loss record or for rankings.<br />
12. Determining the winner of a team meet. Except in men’s and women’s<br />
Division I tennis, the winner of a team meet is the team that wins the<br />
majority of the individual matches (e.g. 5 out of 9 matches).<br />
In men’s and women’s Division I tennis, (3-6 format), the winner<br />
shall be the team that wins four points. All matches should be played to<br />
<strong>com</strong>pletion, unless there are extenuating circumstances. An unfinished<br />
match will be treated as a default by the withdrawing team, unless the<br />
decision not to finish is mutually made by both coaches.<br />
13. Inclement weather. Collegiate tennis is an outdoor sport. All matches shall<br />
be played outdoors unless weather or court conditions threaten the health<br />
and safety of student athletes or if contracted otherwise for winter<br />
month <strong>com</strong>petition. In the event of inclement weather, a team match<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 257
shall be continued indoors if varsity quality tennis facilities are<br />
available. (See II.C.1. for a definition of varsity quality tennis facility).<br />
a. Determining playable outdoor weather conditions<br />
i. The projected weather forecast, for a minimum of two<br />
hours out of a four-hour time period from the start of the<br />
match, according to www.weather.<strong>com</strong> shall be:<br />
• A high of at least 50°; or<br />
• Sustained winds (not including wind gusts) of 20 miles<br />
per hour or less.<br />
ii. If the outdoor conditions have changed by the end of the<br />
doubles play, it is understood that both coaches and the<br />
Referee may agree to move the match indoors. If play is<br />
suspended at any other point during the match due to<br />
weather, play must resume outdoors within one hour of the<br />
delay. If this is not possible, matches must be moved<br />
indoors.<br />
iii. When no indoor back-up is available, the match must be played<br />
outdoors unless weather conditions are hazardous. If play is<br />
suspended due to weather conditions, it is suggested that play<br />
resume within two hours of the delay.<br />
b. Decision to move indoors shall be made up to one hour before<br />
start of match. The decision to move indoors shall be made up to<br />
one hour before the start of the match if the weather conditions<br />
are forecasted not to improve.<br />
c. Matches played indoors. If a match is moved indoors due to<br />
inclement weather, the indoor facility or covered courts must meet<br />
the playable outdoor weather conditions stated in Rule II.B.13.a.<br />
d. Match moved indoors stays indoors. If the match is moved indoors<br />
due to inclement weather or darkness, it shall stay indoors until the<br />
<strong>com</strong>pletion of the match.<br />
e. Games Committee may modify inclement weather rules. In a<br />
sanctioned team tournament, the Games Committee may modify<br />
the inclement weather rule, if absolutely necessary.<br />
f. Inclement weather procedures. The procedure to follow in the<br />
event of darkness, inclement weather, or lack of acceptable indoor<br />
facilities shall be reached between coaches before the start of a<br />
match, preferably in the original match contract. If a postponed<br />
match can be scheduled within a 48 hour period, the match shall<br />
resume at the point of interruption. Otherwise, the match is not<br />
replayed or continued at a later date unless both coaches agree to<br />
do so or unless conference rules dictate otherwise.<br />
14. Teams withdrawing. In a dual team meet, a team shall not cancel a<br />
match due to ill or injured players. In the ITA National Indoor Team<br />
Championships or a sanctioned team tournament, any team<br />
withdrawing from the event once a written <strong>com</strong>mitment has been made,<br />
may only do so because of injuries or academic probation affecting a<br />
minimum of three of the starting eight players. The injuries and<br />
probation must be attested to by the team doctor and Athletic Director<br />
in writing. Otherwise the team withdrawing will be penalized with three<br />
258 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
defaults for ranking purposes.<br />
15. Failing to play after a dual team tournament has started. Once a team<br />
tournament has started, failure to play a team match shall result in a<br />
default. This loss and any subsequent backdraw losses shall count as<br />
ranking losses.<br />
16. Consequences of failing to follow ITA rules. Failure to follow ITA rules in<br />
any ITA sanctioned team tournament will cause the forfeiture of the ITA<br />
sanction, and the results from such an event will not be considered for<br />
ITA ranking purposes.<br />
17. Matches between schools from different divisions. If a dual match is<br />
played between teams from different divisions, the format of the home<br />
team’s division shall be played, unless otherwise specified by written<br />
contract.<br />
C. Facilities and Equipment<br />
1. Varsity quality tennis facility. A varsity quality tennis facility is one used<br />
exclusively for tennis. The playing surface shall be of hard court<br />
construction, designed specifically for tennis, and coated with a<br />
recognized tennis surface. The only lines on the playing surface shall be<br />
standard tennis court lines. A multi-purpose recreational facility is not<br />
acceptable.<br />
The playing surface shall extend from the backdrop to the backdrop.<br />
Each backdrop shall be located at least 18 feet behind the baseline. The<br />
backdrop curtains shall be at least 12 feet high. The walls of the facility<br />
shall be at least 16 feet high. The ceiling shall be at least 35 feet high at<br />
the net. The distance between the doubles lines of adjacent courts shall<br />
be at least 10 feet.<br />
The lighting shall average at least 75 foot candles with individual<br />
lights placed in locations as specified by <strong>USTA</strong> guidelines for indoor<br />
courts. Lighting levels shall be uniform over the primary playing area.<br />
Visible light sources shall not be located directly over the singles courts.<br />
Any matches played at an indoor facility not meeting these standards<br />
must be agreed to in writing by both coaches before the start of the<br />
match.<br />
2. The host school shall provide for each match:<br />
a. Center net straps;<br />
b. Singles sticks and net measuring sticks (N.B. Singles sticks shall<br />
be used in all matches where singles will be played on a doubles<br />
court);<br />
c. Scoreboards to display the running score for each court;<br />
d. Team scoreboards;<br />
e. ITF-approved championship tennis balls;<br />
f. Water and first aid supplies; and<br />
g. Dressing facilities, if requested by the visiting team (The visiting<br />
team is usually responsible for its own towels).<br />
3. When possible the host school shall provide:<br />
a. Scorekeepers who shall act in an impartial and non-partisan manner;<br />
b. Umpires;<br />
c. Trainer services; and<br />
d. Conference rule book (if any).<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 259
D. Practice Courts<br />
1. Practice the day before or the morning before the match. When<br />
requested, the host school shall make three practice courts (the same<br />
courts as will be used in the match itself) available to the visiting team:<br />
— for a minimum of two hours in the afternoon before the scheduled<br />
match and<br />
— one hour on the morning of the match.<br />
The visiting coach must request these arrangements in writing at<br />
least one week before his team’s arrival. The only exception is if<br />
circumstances governing varsity court usage renders <strong>com</strong>pliance<br />
impossible. This must be confirmed in writing by the Director of<br />
Athletics of the host school.<br />
2. Practice immediately before start of match. In all cases, the visiting team<br />
must be permitted to hit on three of the match courts for a minimum of 30<br />
minutes immediately before the start of the team match.<br />
E. Officials<br />
1. Home coach is responsible for providing officials. The home coach shall<br />
have available qualified persons to serve as officials. <strong>USTA</strong> certified<br />
officials are considered qualified. In order for an official to be<br />
considered "qualified," the official must attend both an ITA and a <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Sectional re-certification class, pass both the <strong>USTA</strong> Sectional and ITA<br />
tests every year, and do the required work.<br />
2. Two officials required for Division I Matches. In order to be<br />
considered for ITA Rankings in Division I, the host school shall provide a<br />
minimum of two <strong>USTA</strong> certified officials for each dual meet match. The only<br />
exceptions shall be when <strong>USTA</strong> officials are not available or when the<br />
coaches shall agree in writing before the start of the match that two <strong>USTA</strong><br />
officials are not required.<br />
3. Neutral qualified Referee and Roving Official. It is strongly re<strong>com</strong>mended<br />
that the home team provide two neutral qualified officials for every team<br />
match. These officials must be certified by the <strong>USTA</strong>, where <strong>USTA</strong><br />
certified officials are available. Whenever more than one official is<br />
present, one official shall be designated as the Referee. The other official<br />
may act as a Roving Umpire assisting the Referee.<br />
Any Division I team wishing to be ranked by the ITA shall provide a<br />
certified official who shall act as the Referee and one other official who<br />
shall act as a Roving Official. Failure to do so should be reported<br />
immediately to the ITA National Tournament Committee.<br />
4. Requests for officials. If a coach or the player requests an official, the<br />
Referee shall make the assignment. Play may be suspended for a<br />
maximum of five minutes while an official is sought.<br />
5. Referee may serve as Solo Chair Umpire if no one else is available. If no<br />
one else is available the Referee may serve as Solo Chair Umpire. The<br />
Referee continues to serve as Referee to the best of his ability.<br />
6. When Referee has only one match under his jurisdiction. Once the<br />
Referee has only one match under his specific jurisdiction, if requested,<br />
he must go into the chair or stand near the net post in order to have a<br />
better view of the match.<br />
F. Trainer<br />
1. Host school shall provide trainer. The host school shall provide the<br />
260 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
services of a qualified trainer, preferably at the match site or at a training<br />
facility within a five-minute walk of the match site. The NAIA re<strong>com</strong>mends,<br />
but does not require, a home team trainer at all home matches.<br />
2. Referee has discretion to determine time allowed to locate trainer. The<br />
Referee shall use his discretion in determining the time allotted to locate<br />
a trainer if one cannot be found or is not available within five minutes of<br />
the injury.<br />
G. ITA Scoring Systems in Team Matches in all Divisions<br />
Regular scoring shall be used in all team matches, unless both coaches agree<br />
otherwise, or conference rules dictate otherwise.<br />
H. ITA Point Penalty System and Defaults<br />
1. Only Referee, Solo Chair Umpire, and Roving Umpires may assess code<br />
violations in team matches. In team matches, only the Referee, Solo<br />
Chair Umpire, and Roving Umpires may implement the ITA Point<br />
Penalty System, unless both coaches agree otherwise. In a non-Division<br />
I match if there is no official, both coaches must confer and agree<br />
before assessing a code violation, unless a coach is coding his own<br />
players.<br />
2. Disqualification. The designated Referee has the sole power to<br />
disqualify players during dual meet matches and ITA sanctioned<br />
tournaments. Before disqualifying a player in a dual meet, the<br />
Referee shall confer with both coaches and any other officials.<br />
Coaches shall have the opportunity to offer an explanation of the<br />
situation to the designated Referee. It two officials are supervising<br />
the match (see II.E.1.-2.), they both must agree to the<br />
disqualification.<br />
In team tournaments the coaches shall have the right to appeal the<br />
disqualification to the Tournament Committee. The player shall be<br />
disqualified if there is no appeal or if the appeal is denied.<br />
A Chair Umpire or Roving Umpire may give point and game penalties.<br />
The Chair Umpire and Roving Umpire shall inform the Referee so that he<br />
can stand by in case a disqualification must be given.<br />
3. Carry over of code violations after a match is over in team <strong>com</strong>petitions.<br />
The following carry over rules apply in team <strong>com</strong>petitions:<br />
Code violation after the <strong>com</strong>pletion of a match.<br />
a. Team matches where doubles is played first, followed by singles.<br />
If a player <strong>com</strong>mits a code violation after his/her doubles match is<br />
<strong>com</strong>plete, the penalty shall be assessed to the highest remaining<br />
doubles team still in progress at the start of the next game or<br />
immediately in a tie breaker. (For 7-point team format: the penalty<br />
is assessed provided the doubles point has not yet been decided.<br />
If the doubles point has been decided, the carry over penalty shall<br />
be assessed at the start of that player's singles match). If that<br />
player is not playing in the singles, the carry over penalty shall be<br />
assessed to the no. 1 singles player from that team. If a player<br />
<strong>com</strong>mits a code violation after his/her singles match is <strong>com</strong>plete,<br />
the penalty shall be assessed to the highest remaining singles<br />
player still on the court at the start of the next game or<br />
immediately in a tie breaker.<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 261
There are five separate time segments when a player can <strong>com</strong>mit<br />
a code violation:<br />
• During his/her first match (doubles) of the dual meet;<br />
• After his/her first match (doubles) of the dual meet but<br />
before the doubles point has been decided.<br />
• After his/her first match (doubles) of the dual meet but<br />
after the doubles point has been decided. (Applies only<br />
to 7-point team format).<br />
• During his/her second match (singles) of the dual<br />
meet;<br />
• After his/her second match (singles) of the dual meet.<br />
b. In team matches where singles is played first, followed by<br />
doubles. If a player <strong>com</strong>mits a code violation after his/her<br />
singles match is <strong>com</strong>plete, the penalty shall be assessed to<br />
the highest remaining singles player still on the court at the<br />
start of the next game or immediately in a tie breaker. If the<br />
singles matches have been <strong>com</strong>pleted, the carry over<br />
penalty shall be assessed at the start of that player’s next<br />
match. If that player is not playing in doubles, the penalty<br />
shall be assessed to the no. 1 doubles team. If a player<br />
<strong>com</strong>mits a code violation after his/her doubles match is<br />
<strong>com</strong>plete, the penalty shall be assessed to the highest<br />
remaining doubles team still in progress at the start of the<br />
next game or immediately in a tie breaker.<br />
There are four separate time segments when a player can <strong>com</strong>mit<br />
a code violation:<br />
• During his/her first match (singles) of the dual meet;<br />
• After his/her first match of the dual meet but where<br />
singles matches remain in progress;<br />
• During his/her second match (doubles) of the dual<br />
meet;<br />
• After his/her second match (doubles) of the dual meet<br />
but where doubles matches remain in progress.<br />
c. For the purpose of imposing Carry-over penalties after a<br />
doubles match, the two doubles players remain a team until<br />
one or both of them have left the court.<br />
4. Penalties for physical contact between teams.<br />
a. Singles player is barred from playing doubles. If the offense<br />
takes place in singles and the offending player is playing<br />
doubles, he shall be barred from doubles and another player<br />
may be substituted in his place.<br />
b. Doubles player is barred from playing singles. If doubles is<br />
played first, the offending player shall be barred from<br />
playing singles. All other players shall move up a position,<br />
and a player may be substituted at the bottom of the line-up.<br />
I. Starting Time<br />
1. Starting time. All matches should begin promptly at the specified<br />
starting time. The Referee shall make sure that the start of the team<br />
match conforms to the time established in the contract unless a<br />
262 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
different time is agreed upon by both coaches. By mutual agreement of<br />
the coaches, individual matches may be delayed by a predetermined<br />
period of time to ac<strong>com</strong>modate a player late for a legitimate reason.<br />
2. Team penalty for being late. If there has been no direct <strong>com</strong>munication<br />
with the team arriving late, the following should be applied: A team not<br />
ready to begin the match within 15 minutes of the specified starting<br />
time will lose the doubles point(s). A team is not ready to begin within<br />
1 hour of the specified start time will forfeit the remaining singles<br />
matches. However, under any and all circumstances, if a team is not<br />
ready to begin its team match at the specified starting time, each player<br />
on the starting lineup in singles shall begin one game down and shall<br />
be deemed to have lost the toss. Under extenuating circumstances,<br />
both coaches may agree to start the match at a later time.<br />
J. Warm-up<br />
For all Division I team matches and team tournaments, the warm-up shall<br />
not exceed three minutes. For all other team matches and team<br />
tournaments, the length of the warm-up shall not exceed five minutes,<br />
except when the visiting team has not had a minimum of 30 minutes<br />
warm-up directly before the start of the team match. In this case, a ten<br />
minute warm-up will be permitted.<br />
K. Team Line-ups<br />
1. Exchange of line-ups and scorebooks. One hour before the start of the<br />
match, the coaches shall simultaneously exchange their <strong>com</strong>plete<br />
singles and doubles line-ups. The ITA Scorebooks shall show all team<br />
results throughout the year up to that day. If a coach does not have his<br />
scorebook, the Referee shall send a letter to the ITA Ethics and<br />
Infractions Committee.<br />
2. Only physically able players shall be listed in the line-up. Coaches shall<br />
list players in the line-up only if they are able to play.<br />
3. Players must play in order of ability. The line-up shall always be based<br />
on order of ability. “Matching up” is prohibited. In singles, players must<br />
<strong>com</strong>pete in order of ability with the best player on the team playing at<br />
the No. 1 position, the second best at No. 2, and so on through all<br />
positions. In case of injury or sickness, all players must move up. This<br />
rule shall also apply to doubles play with the strongest doubles team at<br />
No. 1, etc.<br />
a. A player who has established a winning record at a team position<br />
in six team matches and whose results show that he clearly is<br />
stronger than the players below him may not be moved down. The<br />
line-up must stay in order of ability.<br />
b. If a top-six player (or team) clearly is stronger than the player<br />
immediately above him, then the player must be moved up a<br />
position.<br />
c. Players of equal ability and equal record may alternate between<br />
two adjacent positions so long as the alternating is not done for<br />
the purpose of “matching up.”<br />
d. A player shall not be moved down in the line-up because of:<br />
i. An injury that has lasted and forced the player out of the<br />
lineup for less than three weeks;<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 263
ii. Disciplinary measures; or<br />
iii. Challenge matches after six team matches have been played<br />
after January 1st of a school year.<br />
4. Line-up changes in back-to-back dual matches. In back-to-back dual<br />
meet matches (two consecutive dual meet matches played regardless of<br />
time between matches), the team line-up (as played) may be changed. A<br />
player may move up or down one position in this situation. The line-up<br />
must still stay in order of ability.<br />
5. Line-up changes once a match has begun. In a team match, the official<br />
start of the doubles play of the match is marked when the on-court<br />
warm-up begins between any of the three doubles teams and in singles,<br />
when the warm up begins between any one of the six singles matches. In<br />
NCAA Division I and II, once the warm up begins in any match (on any<br />
number of courts), substitutions are not permitted. In all other Divisions:<br />
if playing on less than 6 courts, the players not on the court may still be<br />
substituted before the start of their warm up. (e.g. if playing on 4 courts<br />
and the No. 5 player gets sick/injured while the No. 1- No. 4 are warming<br />
up, you may move your No. 6 up to No. 5 and slide the remaining players<br />
up.) Matches must be started in accordance to ITA Rule II.B.9.<br />
6. Removing players from the team line-up. Before the start of the<br />
dual-meet match, the coach shall submit the three doubles teams and<br />
eight (or all) players available to play. For doubles, see Regulation K.6. If<br />
a singles player is not listed (or in the top eight), the player may not be<br />
inserted in the lineup at any time. The coach may remove a singles player<br />
or players from the initial list after the doubles has been <strong>com</strong>pleted. Each<br />
player listed below the removed player shall be moved up the appropriate<br />
number of spots. If individual matches have begun, and this prevents<br />
players from moving up, then the withdrawn player forfeits that match. A<br />
player removed from the singles line-up may play doubles.<br />
7. Removing players from the doubles line-up. A coach may remove any<br />
player from the doubles line-up by making a direct line substitution. The<br />
doubles line-up must still be played in order of ability. Players removed<br />
from the doubles line-up may play in singles. Once the match has<br />
officially begun, two players may be substituted for any doubles team<br />
(only if the match begins with singles). The lineup must remain in order<br />
of ability. If a team has 6 or fewer healthy players and a player in the<br />
doubles line-up is injured/sick prior to the start of the match, they may<br />
take a player from another doubles team to join the healthy player. One<br />
of the healthy doubles teams must stay intact. The teams must still play<br />
in order of ability and will default at the No. 3 position.<br />
8. Team that is short on players. A team appearing with an insufficient<br />
number of players shall default matches at the bottom of the line-up<br />
(i.e., the six-man team appearing with five players must default at the<br />
No. 6 singles position and in doubles, at the No. 3 position). If the No. 1<br />
player is not available to <strong>com</strong>pete all players must move up one<br />
position. The No. 1 singles match cannot be forfeited. The minimum<br />
number of players for a dual-meet match is four physically able players.<br />
A team that does not meet this minimum must forfeit the match.<br />
9. Appeals concerning unfair line-ups. If a coach feels that the opponent’s<br />
264 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
line-up as presented is unfair, he should notify the designated Referee<br />
and opposing coach of the protest. Any coach who wishes to submit a<br />
match protest (after the <strong>com</strong>pletion of the match) must first inform the<br />
opposing coach in writing (by fax or e-mail), with a copy sent at the<br />
same time to the ITA office. This is necessary even when the opposing<br />
coach and designated Referee were informed of the protest at the time of<br />
the match. This written protest must be made within 48 hours of the<br />
start of the match. If a match is between two schools from the same<br />
conference, the protest must be handled by the conference. Once a<br />
protest has been filed with the ITA Office, it will be sent to an ITA<br />
Regional Ranking Committee if it involves teams from the same region,<br />
or to the ITA National Ranking Committee if it involves teams from<br />
different regions. A protest may also be sent separately to the ITA Ethics<br />
and Infractions Committee, if the case warrants it. An ITA ranking and/or<br />
Operating Committee has the right to make a ruling on a protest and, if<br />
appropriate, reverse or overturn a result for ITA Ranking purposes. The<br />
ITA will then re<strong>com</strong>mend that the NCAA, NAIA, or NICAA <strong>com</strong>mittees<br />
consider this ruling for postseason selection/seeding. A coach has the<br />
right to appeal a protest ruling made by an ITA Ranking Committee to the<br />
National Ranking Committee (for rulings made by Regional Ranking<br />
Committees) or to the ITA Operating Committee (for rulings made by the<br />
National Ranking Committee).<br />
10. Moving matches to other courts. Once the dual meet match has begun,<br />
a match shall remain on the same court until its conclusion, unless both<br />
coaches agree to move it to another court. In an ITA national or<br />
sanctioned event, the Referee or Games Committee may move matches,<br />
if necessary. The match is considered to have started when the players<br />
begin warming up together on the court.<br />
11. Starting time for second round of matches.<br />
a. Men’s & Women’s Division I (3-6 format). In Men’s Division I, the<br />
singles players must be ready to play within 10 minutes of<br />
<strong>com</strong>pleting their doubles matches. In Women’s Division I, the<br />
singles players must be ready to play within 10 minutes of<br />
<strong>com</strong>pleting their doubles matches.<br />
b. All other matches. Each player shall be ready to play doubles<br />
within 15 minutes after the <strong>com</strong>pletion of his singles match,<br />
unless both coaches agree otherwise. A coach may request<br />
from the official an additional 15 minutes (for a total of thirty<br />
minutes) if extenuating circumstances exist (i.e. length of<br />
match, trainer accessibility, etc.). Once all four players are<br />
available to begin one of the doubles matches, that match shall<br />
be played as soon as possible on whatever court is available,<br />
unless both coaches agree to wait until the end of the remaining<br />
singles matches.<br />
12. Placement of injured or ill players in line-up. If a player is injured or ill<br />
and cannot play for three weeks or longer, the coach should use his<br />
discretion in determining where to place the player in the team line-up.<br />
If the player has played the majority of his matches at one position, he<br />
must be placed within two positions up or down to be within a “range.”<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 265
This rule does not apply to the NCAA Championships at the end of the<br />
year.<br />
13. Submission of line-ups at men’s ITA sanctioned or national team<br />
events. In a men’s ITA sanctioned or national team event, all team<br />
line-ups must be submitted to the Games Committee the day before<br />
the start of the tournament at a time to be decided by the Tournament<br />
Chair. Once team line-ups have been submitted and approved, no<br />
changes shall be made in the order of the singles or doubles line-up<br />
during the team event.<br />
L. Post Match Considerations<br />
1. Departure from court within 5 minutes. After a dual meet match,<br />
players have 5 minutes to gather their equipment from the court and<br />
leave the immediate playing area.<br />
2. Appeal of a Referee’s decision. If a coach feels that a decision by the<br />
Referee was incorrect and affected the result of the team match and<br />
involves a team match played out of conference, he should file a<br />
written protest with the ITA National Tournament Committee and send<br />
copies to the opposing coach, both Athletic Directors, the Referee and,<br />
when appropriate, to the conference <strong>com</strong>missioner and <strong>USTA</strong> office.<br />
The decision of the ITA Ranking Committee on the appeal shall be<br />
binding concerning ITA rankings. The decision shall be <strong>com</strong>municated<br />
to the athletic directors and NCAA Chairs for their consideration.<br />
3. Protests to ITA National Tournament Committee. If a coach believes a<br />
match was played unfairly, or that the opposing coach did not follow<br />
ITA rules, the coach should protest in writing to the ITA National<br />
Tournament Committee. (See R.7 Appeals concerning unfair lineups.)<br />
4. Home coach shall report scores to local media. The home coach shall<br />
report the scores of the team match to the local media.<br />
Additional Excerpts from ITA<br />
Familiarity with the following excerpts may be helpful to the official in<br />
performing his duties.<br />
III. ITA TOURNAMENTS—Rules, Regulations and Procedures<br />
A. General<br />
1. National and Regional Collegiate Championships<br />
National and regional collegiate championships, are by definition,<br />
only those tournaments exclusively organized and administered<br />
by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, the NCAA, the NCAA<br />
Conferences, the NAIA or the National Junior College Athletic<br />
Association (NJCAA).<br />
2. ITA Regional Championships<br />
The ITA Regional Championships are administered by ITA<br />
throughout the country from September through November.<br />
3. ITA Sanctioned Events<br />
a. A tournament must be sanctioned by the ITA in order for its<br />
results to count for ranking purposes.<br />
b. The Tournament Director is responsible for obtaining the ITA<br />
sanction, paying sanction fees, ensuring that participants’<br />
266 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
coaches are current ITA members, and filing results with the<br />
ITA office within five days of <strong>com</strong>pletion of the tournament.<br />
c. All ITA sanctioned events must use the Wilson tennis ball,<br />
the official ball of the ITA.<br />
d. Complete typed results must be filed with the ITA office, the<br />
ITA National Ranking Coordinator, and the ITA Chair of the<br />
region in which the sanctioned event took place.<br />
e. The ITA office will notify all regional chairs of tournaments<br />
sanctioned in their designated regions and of any<br />
infractions which make the tournament results null and<br />
void for ITA Ranking purposes.<br />
f. It is the responsibility of the coach to file his team’s and<br />
individual player’s results with the appropriate regional and<br />
national ranking coordinator within the deadline for<br />
reporting dates in order for his team and players to be<br />
eligible for ITA Ranking consideration. Results from all ITA<br />
sanctioned tournaments should also be recorded in the ITA<br />
Scorebook.<br />
4. The Draw<br />
In all ITA national and sanctioned events—singles, doubles, and<br />
team—it is obligatory (unless impossible to separate players<br />
(and teams) within geographical regions in all first-round<br />
matches, and also to separate players from the same team in<br />
opposite halves, quarters, etc.<br />
Byes, if any, are determined by lot...<br />
5. ITA Tournament Policy—“Sunday Policy”<br />
Participants (team, singles player, or doubles team) entered in an<br />
ITA national, regional, or sanctioned tournament, will be expected<br />
to <strong>com</strong>pete on all days of the event, including Saturday and<br />
Sunday. There will be no exceptions made for this rule.<br />
B. ITA Games Committee<br />
The Games Committee is <strong>com</strong>prised of the following individuals at any<br />
specific ITA national or sanctioned event:<br />
1. Tournament Director<br />
2. Tournament Chair<br />
3. Head Referee<br />
4. Staff on-site<br />
5. Members of the ITA National Tournament Committee who are<br />
present at the event<br />
6. Others designated by the Tournament Chair.<br />
The primary function of the Games Committee is to oversee the<br />
running of the tournament event.<br />
IV. ITA N<strong>AT</strong>IONAL INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E EVENTS<br />
A. Withdrawal from ITA National Intercollegiate Event<br />
1. Once a player accepts an invitation, he cannot withdraw due to<br />
academic concerns, except in extreme circumstances attested to by<br />
the Dean’s office (in this case the Tournament Chair shall be<br />
notified in writing by the Dean’s office immediately).<br />
INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS 267
2. Any withdrawal due to physical injury or sickness shall be made<br />
with written documentation from physician and athletic<br />
department, which shall be provided to the Tournament Chair<br />
within 24 hours of injury.<br />
3. A player shall not accept entry if injured and not sure if he can<br />
play except with the written approval of the Tournament Chair. In<br />
this case, if approval is granted, the coach must notify the<br />
Tournament Chair by phone and fax no later than eight days<br />
before the start of the main draw event, if the player is still injured<br />
and not fully recovered at that point.<br />
4. Failure to follow these rules will result in two losses in the ITA<br />
Rankings and the suspension of the player from the participation<br />
in the next ITA national event<br />
B. ITA All-American Championships (Men and Women)<br />
C. ITA National Small College Championships (Men and Women)<br />
D. ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships<br />
(Men and Women)<br />
E. <strong>USTA</strong>/ITA National Team Indoor Championships<br />
(Men and Women)<br />
F. ITA Division III National Team Indoor Championships (Men)<br />
V. TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT<br />
A. Meetings<br />
The host institution is responsible for making arrangements for and<br />
scheduling the following meetings, and for notifying the participants in<br />
an advance mailing. All meetings should include the chair of the ITA<br />
National Tournament Committee, the Tournament Director and the<br />
head Referee, whenever possible.<br />
1. ITA Coaches Meeting. A mandatory ITA coaches meeting must be<br />
held on the eve of all ITA National Championship events to review<br />
the tournament format, procedures and any other pertinent<br />
information, as well as general ITA business. Attendance will be<br />
taken at this meeting and a $50.00 (fifty dollar) fine payable to the<br />
ITA will be assessed to those institutions with no representative<br />
(either coach, assistant coach or other bona fide institution<br />
representative) present. Failure to <strong>com</strong>ply with the fine will result<br />
in disqualification from participation at future ITA Grand Slam and<br />
national events.<br />
2. Officials. A meeting with the officials should be scheduled to<br />
review procedures, scoring system, handling of appeals, etc.<br />
B. Ball Change in ITA Division I National Tournaments<br />
For all ITA Division I National Tournaments, in singles, a can of balls<br />
must be used for each set (3 balls per set), and four balls (4) must be<br />
used in doubles pro-sets.<br />
268 INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION (ITA) REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS
PART 8—GLOSSARY<br />
7-Point Set Tiebreak. The 7-Point Set Tiebreak is played when the players<br />
reach 6-all in a Set. The first player or team to win 7 points by a margin of at least<br />
2 wins the set 7-6.<br />
10-Point Match Tiebreak. The 10-Point Match Tiebreak is played in some<br />
matches in lieu of the deciding final set. The first player or team to win 10 points<br />
by a margin of at least 2 wins the final set 1-0 and the match.<br />
Abandoned Match. An Abandoned Match refers to a match that was started,<br />
but the Referee has decided not to <strong>com</strong>plete the match.<br />
Adult Discipline. Adult Discipline occurs when a parent, coach, or other adult<br />
responsible for a Junior disciplines the Junior by not allowing the Junior to start<br />
or finish a match. Adult Discipline is treated as a Default if the match has not<br />
started and as a Retirement if the match has started. There is no such thing as a<br />
Withdrawal or Walkover because of an Adult Discipline.<br />
Adult Divisions. The Open, 25, 30, Open Mixed Doubles, and 30 Mixed<br />
Doubles <strong>com</strong>prise this group of divisions.<br />
Advantage (Ad) Court: The advantage court refers to the service court that is<br />
on a player’s side of the net to the left of the center service line as a player faces the<br />
net. The court is called the advantage or ad court because points in which the<br />
score is “Advantage” are always served to this court.<br />
Advantage Scoring. This is the traditional scoring system in which the points<br />
are 15, 30, 40, Deuce, and Advantage.<br />
Advantage Set. This is a set in which a Set Tiebreak is not played when the<br />
score reaches 6-6. Advantage sets are no longer played under <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations.<br />
Occasionally an advantage set ends up being played when the players forget to<br />
play a Set Tiebreak at 6-6.<br />
All-Factors Method of Seeding. This seeding method is based on the players’<br />
chances of winning the tournament as determined by the Tournament Committee.<br />
Alley. The alley is the area between the singles sideline and the doubles<br />
sideline.<br />
Alphabetical Seeding. In some cases the Tournament Committee may group<br />
seeded players together and assign each of them the same seed (for example, in<br />
the group 5-8, each player in the group would be assigned the fifth seed).<br />
Alternate. An alternate is a player who did not make it into the draw but<br />
requests that the tournament consider the player for entry into the draw if an<br />
opening in the draw develops.<br />
Amateur. A player is an amateur if the player does not receive and has not<br />
received, directly or indirectly, pecuniary advantage by the playing, teaching,<br />
demonstrating, or pursuit of the game of tennis except as specifically authorized<br />
by <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XVIII.<br />
Back Draw. This term is <strong>com</strong>monly used to describe the consolation part of a<br />
Feed-In Championship draw.<br />
Baselines. The baselines are the lines at the end of the court. The baselines<br />
are 78 feet apart. On a doubles court the baselines are 36 feet long.<br />
Bleeding Timeout. A Bleeding Timeout is a time-out of up to 15 minutes that<br />
is allowed when a player is bleeding externally. The time is used to stop the<br />
bleeding and to clean up the Playing Area.<br />
GLOSSARY 269
Block Seeding. Block Seeding refers to the practice of taking the seeded<br />
players and advancing them several rounds into the tournament. The unseeded<br />
players play matches to reach the round where the seeded players have already<br />
been stationed. The purpose of this practice is to allow all the unseeded players to<br />
play several matches before facing a seeded player.<br />
Bonus Points. Bonus Points are additional ranking points that are awarded for<br />
wins over highly ranked players.<br />
Bye. When there are not enough players to put one player on each line, byes<br />
are placed on the open lines. A player who receives a bye does not have a first<br />
round match.<br />
Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships. These tournaments are those<br />
Adult, Senior, and Family <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships that are held on the<br />
designated surfaces (grass, clay, hard, and indoor courts).<br />
Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championship. These tournaments<br />
are those Wheelchair <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships that are held on the<br />
designated surfaces (grass, clay, hard, and indoor courts).<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> National Tournaments. These tournaments are sectionally<br />
sanctioned tournaments that are selected by the Adult/Senior Competition<br />
Committee and the <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department for inclusion on the<br />
National Adult, Senior, and Family Tournament Schedule and that are designated<br />
as Category II.<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair Tournaments. These tournaments are<br />
sectionally sanctioned wheelchair tournaments that are selected by the<br />
Wheelchair Tennis Committee and the <strong>USTA</strong> Competitive Play Department for<br />
inclusion on the National Wheelchair Tournament Schedule.<br />
Center Marks. The Center Marks are the 2 inch wide marks that are placed just<br />
inside each Baseline and that mark the precise middle of the Baselines. The Center<br />
Marks line up with the Center Service Line.<br />
Center Service Line. The Center Service Line is the line that divides the Service<br />
Lines and the Service Courts in half. The line is 2 inches wide and 42 feet long.<br />
Chair Umpire. The Chair Umpire is the official responsible for conducting<br />
one match in accordance with the ITF Rules of Tennis and the <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations.<br />
Changeover. The changeover is the 90-second period after the end of every<br />
odd game (other than the first game) of every set.<br />
Chief Umpire. A Chief Umpire is an official responsible for hiring the<br />
officials. In many tournaments, the Referee will delegate to the Chief Umpire the<br />
responsibility for assigning, replacing, and reassigning officials.<br />
Circuit. A series of tournaments that are organized as a group and generally<br />
adopt a <strong>com</strong>mon set of special tournament regulations.<br />
Closed Tournament. A closed tournament is a tournament that is limited to<br />
residents of a particular geographic area.<br />
The Code. The Code is a summary of the procedures and unwritten rules that<br />
custom dictates that players follow. <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation IV.B. requires players to<br />
follow The Code in all matches without officials.<br />
Coman Tiebreak Procedure. The Coman Tiebreak Procedure requires the<br />
Tiebreak to be played with the players changing ends after the first point and<br />
thereafter every fourth point.<br />
Combined Ranking. A <strong>com</strong>bined ranking is a ranking that is based on both<br />
singles and doubles Ranking Points.<br />
270 GLOSSARY
Compass Draw. This is a non-elimination format that is so named because<br />
players advance in four to eight different directions depending upon when they<br />
lose their first match and when they lose their subsequent matches.<br />
Computerized List Method of Seeding. This seeding method is based on a<br />
<strong>com</strong>puterized system of rankings or standings.<br />
Consolation Draw. A consolation draw describes a group of different types<br />
of draws in which losers in the main draw play an additional match or matches<br />
against other players who have lost a match in the main draw.<br />
Court. The term technically refers only to the area bounded by the baselines and<br />
the singles sidelines in singles and the doubles sidelines in doubles. The singles<br />
court is a rectangle 78 feet long by 27 feet wide. The doubles court is a rectangle<br />
78 feet long by 36 feet wide.<br />
Current NTRP Rating (<strong>com</strong>puter rating). A rating generated by the <strong>USTA</strong><br />
NTRP <strong>com</strong>puter rating system based on two or more matches.<br />
Curtis Consolation. This format is a special Feed-In Championship that is<br />
often used when there is a shortage of time or courts. Round of 16 losers and<br />
quarterfinal losers play a separate consolation or consolations instead of being fed<br />
back into the back draw. When a modified Curtis Consolation is played, some of<br />
the back draws are played through the semifinals only.<br />
Default. A Default occurs when a player is eliminated from an event under the<br />
Point Penalty System (which includes penalties for lateness) or refuses to play for<br />
reasons other than injury, illness, or personal emergency. It is also considered a<br />
Default when a Junior does not start a match because of an Adult Discipline to<br />
discipline the Junior. (Note that failure to finish a match because of an Adult<br />
Discipline is considered a Retirement.)<br />
Deputy Referee. A Deputy Referee is an official appointed by the Referee or<br />
Tournament Committee to assist in the performance of the Referee’s duties or to<br />
assume these duties when the Referee is absent. It is not unusual for a Deputy<br />
Referee to assist in making the draw or to serve as the Referee at a secondary site.<br />
Deuce Court. The deuce court refers to the service court that is on a player’s<br />
side of the net to the right of the center service line as a player faces the net. The<br />
court is called the deuce court because points in which the score is “Deuce” are<br />
always served to this court.<br />
Direct Acceptances. Players accepted directly into the main draw.<br />
Disqualification. A Disqualification occurs when a player is removed from an<br />
event because the player was ineligible for the event.<br />
District Associations. The term refers not only to traditional District<br />
Associations but also to other subdivisions of Sectional Associations.<br />
Division. Division refers to one or two events in a tournament in which the<br />
eligibility criteria are identical. For example, the Girls’ 16 Singles and Girls’ 16<br />
Doubles are two events but only one division because their eligibility criteria are<br />
identical.<br />
Domicile. Domicile is a legal concept involving residence. It is defined as that<br />
place where a person has that person’s true, fixed, and permanent home or that<br />
person’s home for the indefinite future. A person can only have one domicile at<br />
any one time. Eligibility for endorsement or for some closed tournaments is<br />
often based on domicile.<br />
Doubles Sidelines. The doubles sidelines are the two lines that define the<br />
width of the court for doubles. The lines are 36 feet apart.<br />
GLOSSARY 271
Endorsement. Endorsement refers to the process used by Sectional<br />
Associations to list their players in the order in which they want the players<br />
accepted into tournaments such as the <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships,<br />
Intersectionals, and Zonals.<br />
Event. In the narrow sense, this term refers to one draw in a tournament. For<br />
example, the Girls’ 16 Singles and Girls’ 16 Doubles are two separate events within<br />
the same division—the Girls’ 16 division. Sometimes this term is also used to<br />
refer to an entire tournament.<br />
Family Divisions. The Father-Son, Father (60 & Over)-Son, Father (70 &<br />
Over)-Son, Father-Daughter, Father (60 & Over)-Daughter, Father (70 &<br />
Over)-Daughter, Father (80 & Over)-Daughter, Mother-Son, Mother-Daughter,<br />
Mother (60 & Over)-Daughter, Mother (70 & Over)-Daughter, Husband-Wife<br />
Mixed, Husband-Wife Mixed (Combined Ages 100 years), Husband-Wife Mixed<br />
(Combined Ages 120 years), Husband-Wife Mixed (Combined Ages 140 years),<br />
and Grandfather-Grandson divisions <strong>com</strong>prise the Family Divisions.<br />
Feed-In Championship. This term refers to a special form of consolation draw<br />
in which the losers from the main draw are fed back into another draw against<br />
players who lost in earlier rounds of the tournament. This format is very helpful<br />
when the Tournament Committee wants to determine an order of finish through<br />
6th place or through 12th place.<br />
First Match Losers Consolation. This is a consolation draw in which the<br />
losers in the first round and those second round losers who advanced to that<br />
round by virtue of a bye or a Default are entered into the consolation draw.<br />
First Round Losers Consolation. This is a consolation draw in which only the<br />
losers in the first round are entered into the consolation draw.<br />
Garman System. A staggered start time scheduling method based on<br />
statistical analysis of the length of matches. The system reduces player waiting<br />
time and maximizes court usage.<br />
Group Seeding. In some cases the Tournament Committee may group seeded<br />
players together and assign each of them the same seed (for example, in the group<br />
5-8, each player in the group would be assigned the fifth seed).<br />
Handshake. By shaking hands the players have acknowledged that they agree<br />
the match was over.<br />
Head-to-Head Ranking System. This is a method of ranking players or teams<br />
that is based on wins, losses, and exposure.<br />
Hindrance. A hindrance refers to a situation in which a player is hindered from<br />
making a shot by anything that is not within the player’s control other than a<br />
permanent fixture or a spectator’s outcry.<br />
In<strong>com</strong>plete Match. An in<strong>com</strong>plete match refers to a match that was started but<br />
not <strong>com</strong>pleted. It is anticipated that the match will be <strong>com</strong>pleted.<br />
Intersectionals. These are team tournaments held in the 16 and 18 age<br />
divisions. Teams <strong>com</strong>pete against teams from the other Sectional Associations. In<br />
the 18 divisions, these <strong>com</strong>petitions are now known as the <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ 18 National<br />
Team Championships and the Girls’ 18 National Team Championships.<br />
Invitational Tournament. A tournament in which entry is by invitation only.<br />
ITF Rules of Tennis. The ITF Rules of Tennis are the rules for the sport of<br />
tennis. They are made by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The <strong>USTA</strong>, as a<br />
member of the ITF, has agreed that the ITF Rules of Tennis apply to all <strong>USTA</strong><br />
sanctioned tournaments.<br />
272 GLOSSARY
ITF Tournaments on the National Junior Tournament Schedule. The ITF<br />
Tournaments on the National Junior Tournament Schedule are tournaments jointly<br />
sanctioned by the ITF and <strong>USTA</strong> that are placed on the National Junior Tournament<br />
Schedule. These tournaments are played under ITF tournament regulations.<br />
Junior Divisions. This group of divisions is <strong>com</strong>prised of the Boys’ and Girls’<br />
12-and-under, 14-and-under, 16-and-under, and 18-and-under divisions.<br />
Layered Consolation. This is a consolation format in which the losers in each<br />
round are placed into their own consolation draw. Sometimes losers from two<br />
rounds are placed in the same consolation.<br />
Line Umpire. A Line Umpire is an official responsible for calling all shots<br />
directed to the lines assigned to the official.<br />
Local Tournaments. These are adult, senior, and family tournaments<br />
sanctioned by the Sectional or District Associations that are not Super Category II<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments, Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments or Sectional Championships<br />
and are considered for national ranking.<br />
Lucky Loser. A player who has lost in the final round of the qualifying<br />
tournament but who is allowed into the main draw when a player in the main draw<br />
withdraws. If there are many withdrawals from the main draw, a lucky loser may<br />
<strong>com</strong>e from an earlier qualifying round.<br />
Main Draw. The main draw is that part of a draw in which the remaining<br />
players have not yet lost a match.<br />
Match Format. The match format refers to the scoring format used by a<br />
tournament.<br />
Match Tiebreak. In some tournaments a Match Tiebreak may be played in lieu<br />
of the deciding final set. The <strong>USTA</strong> uses only the 10-Point Match Tiebreak (first to<br />
10 by a margin of 2).<br />
Medical Timeout. A Medical Timeout consists of evaluation time as<br />
determined by the Referee plus a maximum of three minutes to treat a medical<br />
condition that is treatable. A player is not entitled to a Medical Timeout if the<br />
condition is not treatable.<br />
Mixed Doubles. Mixed Doubles is a doubles match in which each team<br />
<strong>com</strong>prises a female player and a male player.<br />
National Adult, Senior, and Family Tournament Schedule. This schedule is<br />
published yearly by the Adult/Senior Competition Committee and the Competitive<br />
Play Department and lists all National Ranking Tournaments other than Sectional<br />
Championships and Local Tournaments.<br />
National Championship Selection List. This is a list of the standings of the<br />
top players that is used to determine which junior players are automatically<br />
selected for the <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships.<br />
National Junior Tournament Schedule. This schedule is published yearly by<br />
the Youth Competition and Training Committee and lists all National Rankings<br />
Tournaments other than the Sectional Ranking Tournaments.<br />
National Ranking Matches. These are wheelchair matches in ITF tournaments<br />
not listed on the National Wheelchair Tournament Schedule that count for national<br />
ranking.<br />
GLOSSARY 273
National Ranking Tournaments. These are the tournaments that are used<br />
for national rankings. A list of junior tournaments is found in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation<br />
IX.C.3. and the National Junior Tournament Schedule. A list of adult, senior, and<br />
family tournaments is found in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation X.F.2. and the National Adult,<br />
Senior, and Family Tournament Schedule. A list of wheelchair tournaments is<br />
found in <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation XIII.B.4.a. and the National Wheelchair Tournament<br />
Schedule.<br />
National Standings List. This is a monthly standing list of junior players in<br />
each age division used for selection of:<br />
• some players into the <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships;<br />
• all players into the <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens; and<br />
• all players into some of the tournaments on the National Junior Tournament<br />
Schedule.<br />
It is also used as a resource in determining seeding.<br />
National Wheelchair Tournament Schedule. This schedule is published yearly<br />
by the Wheelchair Tennis Committee and the Competitive Play Department and lists<br />
all National Ranking Tournaments other than Sectional Ranking Tournaments.<br />
Net Posts. Two net posts are used to suspend the net that divides the court.<br />
The net posts for doubles courts are 3 feet 6 inches high with their centers located<br />
3 feet outside the outer edge of the doubles sidelines.<br />
Net Strap. The net strap is a strap that is placed over the net at the center of<br />
the net to make sure that the height of the net at its center is 3 feet.<br />
No-Ad Scoring. This is a scoring system that is the same as the traditional<br />
system except that when the score reaches 40-40, only one additional point is<br />
played to determine the winner of that game. In Mixed Doubles, a male server<br />
serves this point to the male receiver, and the female player serves this point to the<br />
female receiver. In all other events, the Receiver chooses the side from which the<br />
Server must serve.<br />
No Let Rule. The No Let Rule requires that a match be played without the<br />
service let in Rule 22a of the ITF Rules of Tennis.<br />
Non-Elimination Tournaments. This term describes a group of different<br />
tournament formats in which players are never eliminated after they lose. The best<br />
known example is the Compass Draw.<br />
NTRP. NTRP stands for National Tennis Rating Program. The system rates<br />
players by ability levels ranging from 1.5 to 7.0.<br />
NTRP Divisions. These divisions are <strong>com</strong>prised of all the divisions in which<br />
eligibility is based on NTRP rating. Note that NTRP divisions have age and NTRP<br />
criteria.<br />
Numeric Scoring. Numeric scoring consists of substituting "zero," "one," "two,"<br />
and "three" for "Love," "15," "30," and "40." The principle of winning four points by a<br />
margin of two is preserved. Deuce may be announced by "Deuce" or by "3-all," "4-all,"<br />
etc. Advantage may be announced by "Advantage" or "4-3," "5-4," etc. When language<br />
is a barrier, hand signals are often used with a clenched fist indicating "Deuce."<br />
On-site Alternate. An on-site alternate is a player not accepted in the draw<br />
who has checked in at the tournament and has asked to be placed in the draw if a<br />
spot be<strong>com</strong>es available.<br />
274 GLOSSARY
Permanent Fixtures. Permanent fixtures include any scoring device that is<br />
attached to a net post, the areas of the net outside the singles sticks in a singles<br />
match, the doubles posts in a singles match that is using singles sticks, fences,<br />
backstops, curtains, seating areas, officials’ chairs, the ceiling, and lights for the<br />
court.<br />
Place Playoff. A place playoff is a match that is played to determine a player’s<br />
final place in the tournament such as a third place playoff or a seventh place<br />
playoff in a Feed-In Championships.<br />
Playing Area. The Playing Area is the area inside the fences or backstops. Any<br />
designated seating or standing area is not part of the Playing Area.<br />
Point Penalty System. This is a system of penalties designed to deter<br />
unsportsmanlike behavior during matches. The first penalty results in loss of a<br />
point; the second penalty results in loss of the game in progress, and the third<br />
penalty results in a Default.<br />
Points Per Round. Points Per Round are the ranking points that are awarded<br />
in a Points Per Round Ranking System.<br />
Points Per Round Ranking System. This is a method of ranking players or<br />
teams that is based on earning ranking points for the round reached, and in<br />
some cases, for wins over highly ranked players or teams.<br />
Professional. All players who are not amateurs as defined by <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulation XVIII. are considered professionals.<br />
Pro Set. A Pro Set is a scoring system consisting of one set only. The most<br />
<strong>com</strong>mon Pro Set is one in which the first player to eight games wins the match. If<br />
the score reaches 8-8, a 7-Point or 10-Point Tiebreak is played.<br />
Qualified Medical Person or Trainer. A Qualified Medical Person or Trainer is a<br />
person who the Referee authorizes to evaluate whether a medical condition is<br />
treatable and to treat players for treatable conditions during a Bleeding Timeout or a<br />
Medical Timeout. Typically this person will be a physician, certified Sports Medicine<br />
Trainer, or a person otherwise qualified by academic ac<strong>com</strong>plishment, experience in<br />
sports medicine, or sports training.<br />
Qualifiers. Players included in the main draw as a result of their success in the<br />
qualifying tournament.<br />
Qualifying Tournament or Qualifying Draw. A Qualifying Tournament or<br />
Qualifying Draw is a tournament or draw in which those players who advance far<br />
enough earn places in the Main Draw.<br />
Question of Fact. “Questions of Fact” involve whether a specific event<br />
happened. Examples include whether a ball is in; whether a ball touched a player;<br />
whether a ball bounced twice; and whether a server’s foot touched the baseline<br />
before the serve was struck.<br />
Question of Law. “Questions of Law” involve the application of the rules or<br />
regulations to facts that have already been determined. Examples include whether<br />
an act was a hindrance, whether a player should have been assessed a Code<br />
Violation for misconduct, and the procedures for correcting errors in serving<br />
order, serving and receiving position, and ends.<br />
QuickStart Tennis Formats. QuickStart Tennis formats use specialized<br />
equipment, a smaller court, and a shorter match format.<br />
GLOSSARY 275
Quota. Each Sectional Association is guaranteed a minimum number of<br />
players who will be accepted into the <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships. This number<br />
is the Sectional Association’s quota. It is based on the number of junior members<br />
residing in the Sectional Association.<br />
Ranking. Ranking is a static concept. It is a player’s “final” position at the end<br />
of a ranking period. It does not change at the end of the specified period.<br />
Referee. The Referee is generally responsible for supervising all aspects of<br />
play. The Referee is responsible for assuring that the <strong>com</strong>petition is fair and played<br />
under the ITF Rules of Tennis and the <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations.<br />
Rest Period. The <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations require a rest period of 10 minutes after the<br />
second set in a best of three tiebreak set match in all divisions except the Boys’ and<br />
Girls’ 18 divisions and the adult divisions. <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations also require a Referee<br />
to offer a player a rest of at least 30 minutes between matches. For most play in<br />
junior and adult divisions, a Referee is required to offer players 60 minutes between<br />
matches. For most play in senior divisions, a Referee is required to offer players<br />
90 minutes between matches. The rest period requirements can be found in<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulation III.C.<br />
Retirement. A Retirement occurs when a player is unable to continue<br />
playing a match or resume playing a suspended match because of injury, illness,<br />
or personal emergency. It is also treated as a Retirement when a junior player<br />
does not finish a match because of an Adult Discipline. A person who retires<br />
from a match remains eligible for other matches including consolations, place<br />
play-offs, and doubles.<br />
Round Robin. A round robin is a format in which a player plays every other<br />
player in the draw.<br />
Roving Umpire. A Roving Umpire is an official other than the Referee or a<br />
Deputy Referee who exercises jurisdiction over more than one court.<br />
Scheduling Guidelines. These are <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations that assist the Referee in<br />
determining how frequently matches should be scheduled and how many matches<br />
should be scheduled per day. The <strong>USTA</strong> requires Referees to follow these<br />
guidelines in its national championships and in tournaments on the National<br />
Junior Tournament Schedule.<br />
Sectional Endorser. Each Sectional Association lists its players in the order in<br />
which the Sectional Association has decided that the players should receive entry<br />
into the <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, Zonal Team Tournaments, and<br />
Intersectional Tournaments. The person who prepares this list for the Sectional<br />
Association is the Sectional Endorser.<br />
Sectional Ranking Tournaments. These are sectional tournaments that count<br />
for junior or wheelchair national ranking. In the case of junior rankings, each<br />
Sectional Association is allowed to designate 12 junior tournaments within its<br />
section that will count toward national ranking.<br />
Seed. This term refers to a player who is given a preferential position in the draw<br />
by virtue of the player’s record. The player is positioned in the draw so that the player<br />
usually will not play another seed until at least the third round. This player is more<br />
likely to receive a bye than players who are not seeded.<br />
Seeding Groups. Seeding Groups refer to 1,2, 3-4, 5-8, 9-16, and 17-32 seeds.<br />
Self-rating. A self-rating is a rating by a player who is new to the NTRP<br />
system. The player uses the NTRP guidelines to select the level of play that the<br />
player believes best describes the player’s ability.<br />
276 GLOSSARY
Senior Divisions. The Men’s and Women’s 35 and older divisions and the 40<br />
Mixed Doubles, 50 Mixed Doubles, and 60 Mixed Doubles <strong>com</strong>prise the Senior<br />
Divisions.<br />
Service Courts. The service courts consist of the area between the net and the<br />
service lines. The service courts are bisected by the center service line thereby<br />
forming two service courts on each side of the net.<br />
Service Lines. The service lines are the two lines that are 27 feet long and<br />
21 feet from the net (and 18 feet from the baselines) that run from one singles<br />
sideline to the other singles sideline.<br />
Set Break. The Set Break is the 2-minute break after the end of each set. If this is<br />
not possible, then the break should be taken at an odd game changeover. Breaks<br />
taken at other times should be limited to true emergencies.<br />
Set Tiebreak. The Set Tiebreak is the 7-Point Tiebreak Game that is played to<br />
decide a set when the set score reaches 6-all.<br />
Short Sets. This is a scoring system in which the first player to win four<br />
games wins the set. If the score reaches 4-4, a 7-Point Set Tiebreak is played.<br />
Single Elimination Format. In this tournament format, once you lose you are<br />
out and do not get to play any additional matches.<br />
Singles Sidelines. The singles sidelines are the two lines that define the width<br />
of the court for singles. The lines are 27 feet apart.<br />
Singles Sticks. Singles sticks are sticks that are 3 feet six inches high that<br />
substitute for singles posts in those courts that are equipped with doubles net<br />
posts. The centers of the sticks are located 3 feet outside the outer edge of the<br />
singles sidelines.<br />
Solo Chair Umpire. A Solo Chair Umpire is a Chair Umpire who handles a<br />
match without the assistance of line umpires.<br />
Standard Game. The standard game refers to games in which the traditional<br />
scoring of “Love,” “15,” “30,” “40,” “Deuce,” “Advantage,” and “Game” is used.<br />
The standard game stands in contrast to the scoring for a Tiebreak Game.<br />
Standing. Standing is a dynamic concept. It is a player’s position on a list<br />
generated by the <strong>USTA</strong> ranking program at a certain point in time. It may change<br />
from time to time.<br />
Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> National Tournaments. These tournaments are<br />
sectionally sanctioned tournaments that are selected by the Adult/Senior<br />
Competition Committee for inclusion on the National Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
Tournament Schedule and that are designated as Super Category II.<br />
Suspension Point System. This is a system under which junior players are<br />
assessed points for unsportsmanlike behavior in tournaments on the National<br />
Junior Tournament Schedule. A player who accumulates too many points is<br />
suspended from national play.<br />
Tiebreak Game. The Tiebreak Game is the term used by the ITF for the<br />
7-Point Set Tiebreak that is played to decide a set when the game score reaches<br />
6-all.<br />
Tiebreak Set. This is the normal type of set that is played under <strong>USTA</strong><br />
Regulations. A 7-Point Set Tiebreak is played when the score reaches 6-6.<br />
GLOSSARY 277
Toilet/Change of Attire Break. A player is allowed to take a Toilet/Change of<br />
Attire Break when an official determines that there is a genuine need. The player is<br />
allowed a reasonable period of time. When possible the break is taken during a Set<br />
Break. If this is not possible, the break is taken at an odd-game changeover. Breaks<br />
taken at other times are limited to true emergencies.<br />
Tournament. Tournament refers to most forms of <strong>com</strong>petition, including but<br />
not limited to, tournaments, championships, team championships, matches,<br />
exhibitions, events, intersectionals, international <strong>com</strong>petitions, and zonals. It<br />
generally does not include <strong>USTA</strong> League Tennis Programs and <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team<br />
Tennis (Youth). Most tournaments offer more than one event. Each event has its<br />
own eligibility criteria.<br />
Tournament Appeals Committee. This <strong>com</strong>mittee is responsible for deciding<br />
appeals of the Referee’s Disqualification or unilateral Default of a player.<br />
Tournament Area. The tournament area refers to the entire tennis facility or<br />
center where tennis is played. It includes the area outside the fences<br />
surrounding the courts and any clubhouse or similar building.<br />
Tournament Chairperson. The Tournament Chairperson is the chairperson of<br />
the Tournament Committee.<br />
Tournament Committee. The Tournament Committee is the <strong>com</strong>mittee that is<br />
responsible for putting on the tournament on behalf of the organization that holds<br />
the tournament sanction.<br />
Tournament Director. The Tournament Director is the chief executive officer<br />
for the Tournament Committee and is directly responsible for all administrative<br />
details. Often the Tournament Director and the Tournament Chairperson are the<br />
same person.<br />
Unplayed Match. An Unplayed Match refers to a match that the Referee<br />
decides will not be played for any reason other than a Withdrawal, Walkover,<br />
Default, or Retirement.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments. <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments are <strong>USTA</strong><br />
sanctioned tournaments played under ITF tournament regulations, but not<br />
sanctioned by the ITF.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships. This term is used to collectively<br />
describe the <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships, <strong>USTA</strong> National Opens, <strong>USTA</strong> Team<br />
Championships, and <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic Championships<br />
(East/West).<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis. This is a team <strong>com</strong>petition for youth who are 18 years<br />
of age and under. <strong>USTA</strong> membership is not required. Players advance from local to<br />
district, sectional, and national <strong>com</strong>petition.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> League. This is a program for men and women in which teams<br />
<strong>com</strong>prised of players with the same NTRP rating are established. <strong>USTA</strong><br />
membership is required. Players must reach 19 years of age during the calendar<br />
year of the <strong>com</strong>petition. Teams advance from local to district, sectional, and<br />
national <strong>com</strong>petition.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships. These tournaments constitute the highest<br />
level of <strong>USTA</strong> national tournaments held.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens. These tournaments constitute the second highest level<br />
of <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships held.<br />
278 GLOSSARY
<strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments. The Youth Competition and Training Committee<br />
sanctions a number of national level tournaments in addition to the <strong>USTA</strong> Junior<br />
National Championships and <strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments. These additional<br />
tournaments are called <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments.<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships. The <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships are <strong>com</strong>prised<br />
of the following tournaments:<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ 18 National Team Championships;<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Girls’ 18 National Team Championships;<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 16 Intersectional Team Championships; and<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 16, 14, and 12 Zone Team Championships.<br />
Walkover. A Walkover occurs when there has been an administrative error or<br />
when a player decides not to play a match in an event because of injury, illness, or<br />
personal emergency.<br />
Wheelchair Divisions. This group of divisions is <strong>com</strong>prised of those divisions<br />
limited to wheelchair tennis players.<br />
Wild Card. A wild card entry into a <strong>USTA</strong> National Championship may be<br />
granted to a player when extenuating circumstances prevent the player from<br />
entering through the normal qualifying or endorsement procedure. Wild Cards<br />
also may be granted based on the re<strong>com</strong>mendation of the national coaching staff<br />
to a player who has demonstrated significant potential at the national or<br />
international level.<br />
Withdrawal. A Withdrawal occurs when a player decides not to play all<br />
matches in the event because of injury, illness, or personal emergency. A<br />
Withdrawal also may occur because of tournament administrative error.<br />
Zonals. These are team <strong>com</strong>petitions held in the 12, 14, and 16 age divisions<br />
that are held in different regions or zones. Teams represent their Sectional<br />
Associations.<br />
GLOSSARY 279
PART 9—INDEX<br />
INDEX TO THE RULES OF TENNIS, THE CODE,<br />
AND <strong>USTA</strong> REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
(Abbreviations: R Rule; C Code; Reg <strong>USTA</strong> Regulation; <strong>USTA</strong> Comments USCom. ;<br />
FAC Comments FACom; and G Glossary. Entries in bold are also in Glossary.)<br />
SUBJECT REFERENCE<br />
10-and-under <strong>com</strong>petitions ....................FACom. VI.B-2 [p. 134]; Appendix VI [p. 35]<br />
Abandoned Match..................................................................................Table 8 [p. 104]<br />
Accidental Injury ...........................................................................See Medical condition<br />
Ace, apparent or clear ..........................................C 27 [p. 48]; FACom. VII.C-7 [p. 150]<br />
Adjustment, clothing, shoes, or equipment ........R 29b. [p. 23]; Reg. IV.C.9.b. [p. 118]<br />
Advantage .........................................................................................................R 5a. [p. 6]<br />
Advantage Court.........................................................................................Fig. 1 [p. 41]<br />
Advantage Scoring.........................................................................................R 5a. [p. 6]<br />
Advantage Set ...................................................................R 6 [p. 8]; USCom. 6.1 [p. 8]<br />
Advertising......................................................................R 1 [p. 4]; Appendix III [p. 29]<br />
Adult Discipline..........................Table 8.A., C., & D. [pp. 104-106]; Table 19 [p. 183]<br />
Adult Divisions...................................Reg. I.G.2.b.i.-iii. [p. 60]; Reg. X.A.1.a.i. [p. 189]<br />
Adult National Championships ..................See <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships (Adults)<br />
Adult National Rankings..................................................................Reg. X.B.-J. [p. 192]<br />
Adult, Senior, and Family National Tournaments and Rankings......Reg. X.A. [p. 189]<br />
Age Divisions<br />
Adult, Senior, and Family .......................................Reg. I.G.2.b.i. & iii. & v. [p. 60]<br />
Junior .................................................................Reg. I.G.2.a. [p. 60]; Table 4 [p. 62]<br />
Parent-child ..............................................................................Reg. I.G.2.b.v. [p. 61]<br />
Aliens.........Reg. IX.A.2.a.ii. [p. 167]; FACom. IX.A-2 [p. 167]; Reg. IX.A.2.c. [p. 167]<br />
Reg. IX.C.2. [p. 185]<br />
Alley...........................................................................................................…Fig. 1 [p. 41]<br />
Alphabetical seeding.......................................................................................G [p. 269]<br />
Alternate........FACom. IV.C-3 [p. 120]; Reg. IV.D.20.b. [p. 122]; Reg. IV.E.6. [p. 131]<br />
Reg. IX.A.9.a.ii. [p. 172]; Reg. IX.A.9.e.vii. & viii. [p. 174]<br />
FACom. IX.A-5. [p. 174]; Reg. IX.A.9.e.ix. [p. 175]; Reg. IX.A.9.i. [p. 176]<br />
Reg. IX.A.10.a.ii. [p. 179]; FACom. IX.A-8. [p. 180]; Reg. IX.A.10.e. & g [p. 180]<br />
On-Site Alternate......................................................................................G [p. 274]<br />
Amateur ...............................Reg. I.G.4. [p. 66]; Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]; FAC. I.H-2 [p. 70]<br />
Reg. XVIII. [p. 220]<br />
Amateur circuit ...................................................................See Tournament Regulations<br />
Amateur Tournaments ................................Reg. I.A.2 & 5. [p. 52]; Reg. I.G.2.d. [p. 61]<br />
Reg. I.G.4. [p. 66]; Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]; Reg. XVII.A.2. [p. 213]<br />
Reg. XVII.A.12. [p. 214]<br />
Amendments to ITF Rules...................................................................................R [p. 27]<br />
Amendments to <strong>USTA</strong> Regulations.....................................................Reg. XIX. [p. 227]<br />
Appeal of Default..............................................................................Reg. III.B.6. [p. 103]<br />
Reg. IV.D.20.b. [p. 122]; Reg. IV.E.3-5. [p. 130]<br />
Appeal of question of law .............................Appendix V [p. 32] & Cases 1 & 2 [p. 33]<br />
USCom.V.I [p. 33]; Reg. III.B.11. [p. 103]; Reg. VII.C.13. [p. 141]<br />
Appeal of penalty for Code Violation ...........Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. IV.D.8. [p. 121]<br />
Appeal of suspension .......................................................................Reg. IX.B.8. [p. 184]<br />
Appeals Committee ...............................................See Tournament Appeals Committee<br />
Arguments .......................................................................................................C 14 [p. 47]<br />
<strong>AT</strong>P.............................Reg. I.A.3. [p. 52]; FACom. I.A-1. [p. 52]; Table 16.B.2. [p. 169]<br />
Table 16.E. [p. 170]; Reg. IX.A.9.d.i.(B) [p. 173]; Reg. IX.A.10.b. [p. 179]<br />
280 INDEX
Back Draw ......................................................................................……………G [p. 269]<br />
Ball<br />
Abuse................................Reg. IV.C.17.d. [p. 120]; Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Approved brands.........................R 3 [p. 4]; USCom. 3.3 [p. 5]; Appendix I [p. 27]<br />
Reg. I.F.2. [p. 59]; FACom. I.F-1 [p. 59]<br />
Bouncing before serving ..........................................................................C 39 [p. 50]<br />
Broken.......................R 3 & Case 1 [p. 5]; USCom. 3.1 [p. 5]; Reg. III.H.2. [p. 116]<br />
Caught before bounces.........................R 24f. [p. 15] & Case 8 [p. 16]; C 42 [p. 50]<br />
Caught on serve that hits net ................................................................R 22a. [p. 14]<br />
Changing condition........................................................................USCom. 3.2 [p. 5]<br />
Discarding second ball...............................................................USCom. 26.4 [p. 19]<br />
Embedded in net ..........................................................................USCom. 11.1 [p. 9]<br />
Good if cannot be called out .............................USCom. 12.1 [p. 9]; C 6 & 8 [p. 46]<br />
Hitting around net post .........................................................................R 25c. [p. 17]<br />
Hitting ball on court...................................................R 25f. [p. 17] & Case 2 [p. 18]<br />
Hitting before crosses net................................................R 24h. [p. 15]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Hitting below top of net ........................................................................R 25c. [p. 17]<br />
Hitting bird...........................................................................……R 26, Case 3 [p. 18]<br />
Hitting hat...................................................................................USCom. 24.2 [p. 16]<br />
Hitting into ground ..........................................................R 24c. [p. 15]; C 21 [p. 48]<br />
Hitting line ..............................................................................R 12 [p. 9]; C 7 [p. 46]<br />
Hitting net between singles stick and net post ........................USCom. 13.1 [p. 10]<br />
Hitting net post ................................................ US Com. 13.3 [p. 10]; R 19c. [p. 13]<br />
R 25a. [p. 17]; R 25c [p. 17]<br />
Hitting permanent fixture ........................................USCom. 11.1 [p. 9]; R 13 [p. 9]<br />
USCom. 13.2 [p. 10]<br />
Hitting pipe support...................................................................USCom. 25.4 [p. 18]<br />
Hitting player or anything he wears or carries.....................................R 24i. [p. 15]<br />
R 24, Case 8 [p. 16]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Hitting receiver on serve ...................R 22a. [p. 14]; R 24i. [p. 15] & Case 8 [p. 16]<br />
Hitting server’s partner on serve ..........................................................R 19d. [p. 13]<br />
Hitting scoring device ............................................R 13 [p. 9]; USCom. 13.2 [p. 10]<br />
Hitting singles stick ............................................R 19c. [p. 13]; R 25, Case 1 [p. 17]<br />
Hitting stationary or moving object ...................................R 26, Cases 3 & 4 [p. 18]<br />
Hitting through net...................................................................................C 21 [p. 48]<br />
Hitting umpires or umpire stand .............................................R 2 [p. 4]; R 13 [p. 9]<br />
FACom. VII.C-12 [p. 150]<br />
In Play ...........................................................................................USCom. 11.1 [p. 9]<br />
Mark inspection, clay court .............Appendix V [p. 34]; FACom. VII.C-6 [p. 149]<br />
New .......................................................R 3b. [p. 4]; C 43 [p. 51]; Reg. I.F.4. [p. 60]<br />
Number for play .....................R 3a. [p. 4]; Reg. I.F.4. [p. 60]; Reg. III.A.3. [p. 102]<br />
Playing wrong ball ......................................................................R 25, Case 2 [p. 18]<br />
Removal from court.................................USCom.20.1 [p. 13]; USCom. 25.2 [p. 18]<br />
Replacement ...........................................................................Reg. III.H.2-4. [p. 116]<br />
Retrieving from another court .................................................................C 41 [p. 50]<br />
Rolling on court .......................................R 23, Case 1 [p. 14]; USCom. 23.3 [p. 15]<br />
C 19 [p. 47]; C 30 [p. 49]; FACom. VII.C-8 [p. 150]<br />
Soft....................................................................R3, Case 1 [p. 5]; USCom. 3.1. [p. 5]<br />
Specifications.....................................R 3 [p. 4]; Appendix I [p. 27]; Table 1 [p. 27]<br />
Stray, requesting.......................................................................................C 41 [p. 50]<br />
Third..........................................................................................................C 23 [p. 48]<br />
Type...............................Appendix I [p. 27]; Reg. I.F.1. [p. 59]; Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]<br />
Unfit..........................R 3, Case 1 [p. 5]; USCom. 3.1 [p. 5]; Reg. III.H.2-4. [p. 116]<br />
Volleying ball while outside court .............................................R 24, Case 8 [p. 16]<br />
INDEX 281
Volleying before crosses net............................................R 24h. [p. 15]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Warm-ups with ...........................................Reg. I.F.5. [p. 60]; Reg. III.H.4. [p. 116]<br />
Ball Change<br />
Correcting error...........................R 27c [p. 19]; R 27i. [p. 20]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 21]<br />
Reg. III.H.1. [p. 116]<br />
Pattern .........................................R 3b. [p. 4]; Reg. I.F.3. [p. 60]; Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]<br />
Re-warm-up ...............................................................................USCom. 29.9 [p. 24]<br />
Tiebreak.................................................................R 3b.i. [p. 5]; Reg. I.E.1.e. [p. 58]<br />
Ball Marks.................................Appendix V. [p. 34]; C 22 [p. 48]; Reg. IV.C.8. [p. 118]<br />
FACom. VII.C-6 [p. 149]; FACom. VII.F-3 [p. 155]<br />
Ball Toss...........................................................................................................R 16 [p. 11]<br />
Catching .......................................................................................R 19, Case 1 [p. 13]<br />
One-armed server.....................................................................................R 16 [p. 11]<br />
Swinging, missing ................................................................................R 19b. [p. 13]<br />
Banners .........................................................................R 1 [p. 3] & Appendix III [p. 29]<br />
Baselines..............................................................R 1 [p. 3]; Fig. 1 [p. 41]; Fig. 2 [p. 42]<br />
Bathroom break...........................................................See Toilet/Change of Attire Break<br />
Betting ....................Reg. IV.C.18. [p. 121]; Reg. IV.E.7. [p. 131]; Reg. VII.G.5. [p. 156]<br />
Bleeding Timeout.............................................Reg. III.E.2. [p. 110]; Table 11 [p. 113]<br />
FACom. III.E-14-15. [p. 112]<br />
Block Seeding ...............................................................................................See Seeding<br />
Bonus Points............................................................................................….See Ranking<br />
Broken Racket ........................................USCom. 4.2 [p. 6]; R 29b. [p. 23]; C 44 [p. 51]<br />
Broken String ....................................................USCom. 4.2 [p. 6]; USCom. 21.7 [p. 14]<br />
USCom. 23.2 [p. 15]; R 29b. [p. 23]; C 44 [p. 51]<br />
Byes ...................Reg. II.B.4.c-e. [p. 75]; FACom. II.B-2 [p. 77]; FACom. II.C-7 [p. 97]<br />
FACom. IX.A-7 [p. 177]<br />
Calls<br />
Audible .....................................................................................................C 15 [p. 47]<br />
Benefit of doubt to opponent .........................USCom. 12.1 [p. 9]; C Preface [p. 45]<br />
C 6 & 8 [p. 46]<br />
Corrections ............................Appendix V [p. 32] & Cases 1-7 [p. 33]; C 12 [p. 47]<br />
Disagreement between partners..............................................................C 14 [p. 47]<br />
Electronic Review Procedures....................................................Appendix V. [p. 34]<br />
Looking across line.....................................................................................C 9 [p. 46]<br />
On your side ...............................................................................................C 5 [p. 46]<br />
Overrules ..........................................Appendix V [p. 32]; FACom. VII.D-4 [p. 152]<br />
Prompt....................USCom. 11.2 [p. 9]; Appendix V [p. 32] & Cases 3 & 6 [p. 33]<br />
C 18 [p. 47]<br />
Questioning ..............................................................................................C 16 [p. 47]<br />
Requesting help..................................................................C 11 [p. 47]; C 40 [p. 50]<br />
Responsibility .................................................C 5 [p. 46]; C 13 [p. 47]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Spectators..................................................................................................C 17 [p. 47]<br />
Service line in doubles.............................................................................C 25 [p. 48]<br />
Treat all points the same ..........................................................................C 10 [p. 46]<br />
Two chance option....................................................................................C 18 [p. 47]<br />
Unsighted calls .......................................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. VII.C.9. [p. 140]<br />
FACom. VII.C-13 [p. 141]; Reg. VII.F.2. [p. 153]<br />
Visible .......................................................................................................C 15 [p. 47]<br />
When far away............................................................................................C 9 [p. 46]<br />
Carry.....................................................R 24f. [p. 15]; USCom. 24.5 [p. 17]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Catching Ball ...............................................R 24f. [p. 15] & Case 8 [p. 16]; C 42 [p. 50]<br />
Catching Ball on Racket ...............................................................................R 24f. [p. 15]<br />
Catching Ball Toss ...........................................................................R 19 & Case 1 [p. 13]<br />
282 INDEX
Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships..............................Reg. X.A.1.a. [p. 189]<br />
Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championships ....Reg. XIII.A.1.a. [p. 203]<br />
Reg. XIII.A.3. [p. 204]<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Tournaments.................................................Reg. X.A.1.d. [p. 190]<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair Tournaments .......................Reg. XIII.A.1.b. [p. 203]<br />
Cellular Phones .............................................USCom. 23.2 [p. 15]; USCom. 26.3 [p. 19]<br />
USCom.30.1 [p. 25]; FACom. VII.A-4 [p. 139]; FACom. VII.D-2 [p. 152]<br />
Center Marks .....................................................................................................R 1 [p. 4]<br />
Center Service Line ..........................................................................................R 1 [p. 4]<br />
Certification of Officials......................................................Reg. VII.H.-R. [pp. 157-163]<br />
Chair Umpire..................................................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. VII.C. [p. 139]<br />
Alters ball change...................................................................Reg. VII.C.11. [p. 140]<br />
Assignment..................................................Reg. VII.B. [p. 139]; Part 5 I.B. [p. 235]<br />
Assigns line umpires................................................................Reg. VII.C.3. [p. 140]<br />
Calls balls that touch ceiling..................................................Reg. VII.C.16. [p. 141]<br />
Calls lines ....................................Reg. VII.C.2. [p. 139]; FACom. VII.C-13 [p. 151]<br />
Calls score .................................................................................Reg. VII.C.6. [p. 140]<br />
Calls service lets .....................................................................Reg. VII.C.15. [p. 141]<br />
Certification ............................................Reg. VII.M. [p. 158]; Reg. VII.N. [p. 159];<br />
Reg. VII.O. [p. 162]; Part 5 I.C. [p. 237]<br />
Code violations...........................................................................Reg. IV.D.6. [p. 121]<br />
Continuous play .......................................................................................R 29 [p. 23]<br />
Defaults ...................................................................................Reg. VII.C.14. [p. 141]<br />
Deliberate double-hits ...........................................................Reg. VII.C.17. [p. 141]<br />
Determines who enters playing area.......................................Reg. VII.C.4. [p. 140]<br />
Enforces continuous play.........................................................Reg. VII.C.7. [p. 140]<br />
Enforces rules, regulations.......................................................Reg. VII.C.1. [p. 139]<br />
Factual decisions..........................................................................Appendix V [p. 32]<br />
USCom. V.1 [p. 33]; Reg. VII.C.12. [p. 140]<br />
Foot faults, walking, running................................................Reg. VII.C.15. [p. 141]<br />
Invasion of opponent’s court .................................................Reg. VII.C.17. [p. 141]<br />
Law, questions of.........................................................................Appendix V [p. 32]<br />
USCom. V.1 [p. 33]; Reg. VII.C.13. [p. 141]<br />
Not-ups....................................................................................Reg. VII.C.17. [p. 141]<br />
Overrule ......................................................Appendix V [p. 32] & Cases 3-5 [p. 33]<br />
Procedures and techniques .............................................FACom. VII.C-2-3 [p. 141]<br />
Rearranges official assignments ..............................................Reg. VII.C.5. [p. 140]<br />
Removal of official....................................................................Reg. VII.C.5. [p. 140]<br />
Scorecard........................................Reg. VII.C.8. [p. 140]; FACom. VII.C-5 [p. 145]<br />
Suspension of match............................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. VII.C.10. [p. 140]<br />
Throughs .................................................................................Reg. VII.C.17. [p. 141]<br />
Touches....................................................................................Reg. VII.C.17. [p. 141]<br />
Training..........................................................................................Part 5 I.C. [p. 237]<br />
Unsighted calls .......................................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. VII.C.9. [p. 140]<br />
FACom. VII.C-13 [p. 151]; Reg. VII.F.2. [p. 153]<br />
Volleying ball before it passes net.........................................Reg. VII.C.17. [p. 141]<br />
Changing Ends........................................USCom. 5.7 [p. 7]; USCom. 10.1 & 10.2 [p. 9]<br />
R 10 [p. 9]; R 27b. [p. 19]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]; R 29a. [p. 23]<br />
Changeover ........................................................................................................R 29a. [p. 23]<br />
Changing Shape of Racket .............................................................Appendix II.c. [p. 29]<br />
Cheating<br />
Benefit of doubt ................USCom. 12.1 [p. 9]; C Preface [p. 45]; C 6 & C 8 [p. 46]<br />
Foot faults .................................................................................................C 24 [p. 48]<br />
Returning serve without fault call...........................................................C 28 [p. 48]<br />
INDEX 283
Checking-In..........................................................................................Reg. IV.A. [p. 117]<br />
Chief Umpire .........................................Reg. VII.B. [p. 139]; FACom. VII.B-1 [p. 139]<br />
Assigns officials ...........................................................................Reg. VII.B. [p. 139]<br />
Certification .....................................Reg. VII.N.3.h. [p. 160]; Reg. VII.N.5. [p. 162]<br />
Replaces officials..........................................................................Reg. VII.B. [p. 134]<br />
Circuit ...............................................................................................................G. [p. 270]<br />
Choice of Ends, service .......................................................................................R 9 [p. 8]<br />
Clear Mistakes ..............................................................................................See Mistakes<br />
Closed tournament .......................................................................FACom. I.H-4 [p. 70]<br />
Clothing<br />
Adjustment ............................................................................................R 29b. [p. 23]<br />
Ball hitting.......................................................R 24i. [p. 15]; USCom. 24.1-2 [p. 16]<br />
Change of Attire ...................................................See Toilet/Change of Attire Break<br />
Dress Code ......................................................................................Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]<br />
Coaching...............................R 30 [p. 25]; USCom. 30.1-3 [p. 25]; Reg. IV.C.9. [p. 118]<br />
During Bleeding Timeout......................USCom. 30.2 [p. 25]; Reg. III.E.7. [p. 111]<br />
Reg IV.C.9. [p. 118]<br />
During Medical Timeout .......................USCom. 30.2 [p. 25]; Reg. III.E.7. [p. 111]<br />
Reg IV.C.9. [p. 118]<br />
During rest periods...............................................R 30 [p. 25]; USCom. 30.2 [p. 25]<br />
During suspensions of play...................USCom. 30.2 [p. 25]; Reg. III.E.7. [p. 111]<br />
Reg. IV.C.9. [p. 118]<br />
During Toilet Visits....................................USCom. 30.2 [p. 25]; Reg. III.F. [p. 115]<br />
Reg. IV.C.9. [p. 118]<br />
During warm-ups...................................................................... Reg. IV.C.9. [p. 118]<br />
Electronic devices ..................................................................….USCom. 30.1 [p. 25]<br />
Team matches........................................................R 30 [p. 25]; USCom. 30.3 [p. 25]<br />
Reg. IX.A.11.c. [p. 181]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> League (Adult/Senior) ....................................................USCom. 30.3 [p. 25]<br />
Written notes ..............................................................................USCom. 30.1 [p. 25]<br />
Code, The ............................................................................C [p. 45]; Reg. IV.B. [p. 117]<br />
Code Violations<br />
Appeals .......................................................................................Reg. IV.D.8. [p. 121]<br />
Ball abuse .................Reg. IV.C.17.d. [p. 120]; Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Coaching.............................................................Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Delay ...................................................Reg. IV.D.11. [p. 122]; Reg. IV.D.20. [p. 122]<br />
Table 10 [p. 109]; Table 12 [p. 123]<br />
Described.........................................................Reg. IV.D. [p. 121]; Table 12 [p. 123]<br />
Doubles ...................................................Reg. IV.D.9. [p. 122]; Reg. IV.E.6. [p. 131]<br />
Flagrant violations .......................................Reg. IV.D.7. [p. 121]; Table 12 [p. 123]<br />
Instructions of official, failure to follow .........................................Table 12 [p. 123]<br />
Medical condition, delay after............................................FACom. III.E-5. [p. 111]<br />
FACom. III.E-13. [p. 112]; Table 11 [p. 113]; Reg. IV.D.12. [p. 122]<br />
Table 12 [p. 123]; FACom. IV.D-6 [p. 128]<br />
Obscenity ..................Reg. IV.C.17.b. [p. 120]; Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Official abuse .....................................................Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Player abuse .......................................................Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Profanity ....................Reg. IV.C.17.b. [p. 120]; Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Physical abuse........................................................................Reg. IV.C.17.e. [p. 120]<br />
Racket abuse ...................Reg. IV.C.17.c. [p. 120]; Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Retaliatory Calls...............................................................................Table 12 [p. 123]<br />
Time violations............................Reg. IV.D.4. [p. 121]; Tables 13-14 [pp. 124-125]<br />
Collegiate Tournaments.........................................................................Reg. XII. [p. 201]<br />
Coman Tiebreak Procedure ......................USCom. 10.2 [p. 9]; USCom. 27.12 [p. 22]<br />
Appendix IV. [p. 31]; Reg. I.E.1.c. [p. 58]<br />
284 INDEX
Combined Ranking ........................................................................Reg. IX.C.7. [p. 186]<br />
Compass Draw............................................................................…See Draws, Compass<br />
Complaining About Type of Opponent’s Shots ..............................................C 1 [p. 45]<br />
Completion of Tournament<br />
Code Violations, reporting..........................................................Reg. V.A.3. [p. 132]<br />
Draw sheets, submitting .............................................................Reg. V.A.1. [p. 132]<br />
Reports on withheld prize money ..............................................Reg. V.A.2. [p. 132]<br />
Condition, loss of physical............................................................See Medical condition<br />
Conduct of Players ...............................................................................Reg. IV.C. [p. 117]<br />
Abuse of players, officials........................................................Reg. IV.C.10. [p. 119]<br />
Anti-Doping ......................................Reg. IV.C.2. [p. 117]; FACom. IV.C-1 [p. 118]<br />
Coaching .....................................................................................Reg. IV.C.9. [p. 118]<br />
Gambling ..................................................................................Reg. IV.C.18. [p. 121]<br />
Inspection of ball marks ............................................................Reg. IV.C.8. [p. 118]<br />
Leaving playing area ............................................C 40 [p. 50]; Reg. IV.C.5. [p. 118]<br />
Request removal of official ........................................................Reg. IV.C.7. [p. 118]<br />
Shoes ...........................................................................................Reg. IV.C.3. [p. 118]<br />
Unsportsmanlike conduct ........................................................Reg. IV.C.17. [p. 120]<br />
Warm-up .................................................................C 3 [p. 46]; Reg. IV.C.4. [p. 118]<br />
Withdrawing from tournament................................C 38 [p. 50]; Reg. I.H.8. [p. 70]<br />
Table 8 [p. 104]; Reg. IV.C.12. [p. 111]; Reg. IV.C.16. [p. 120]<br />
Withholding prize money ..........................................................Reg. IV.C.1. [p. 117]<br />
Consolation Draw..............................................................................Reg. II.B.5. [p. 79]<br />
Contact Lens..........................................................R 29b. [p. 23]; USCom. 29.6-7 [p. 24]<br />
Continuous Play ........................................................................R 29 [p. 23]; C 39 [p. 50]<br />
Conversation Between Partners .....................................................................C 33 [p. 49]<br />
Correction of Calls<br />
By official...................................Appendix V [p. 32]; FACom. VII.C-10-11 [p. 150]<br />
From out to good...........................................C 12 [p. 47]; FACom. VII.C-7 [p. 150]<br />
FACom. VII.C-10-11 [p. 150]<br />
Second service fault to good.............................................. FACom. VII.C-7 [p. 150]<br />
FACom. VII.C-11 [p. 150]<br />
By players ............................................................................................C 12-14 [p. 47]<br />
Court............................................................................................R 1 [p. 3]; Fig. 1 [p. 41]<br />
Court Layout.......................................................Fig. 1-2 [p. 41-42]; USCom. L.1 [p. 44]<br />
Court Measurements............................................R 1 [p. 3]; Fig. 1 [p. 41]; Fig. 2 [p. 42]<br />
Court Monitor............................................................................FACom. VII.G-2 [p. 156]<br />
Courtesy, court etiquette...................................................................................C 1 [p. 45]<br />
Cramps ........................................FACom. IV.D-4 [p. 128]; FACom. IV.D.10-12 [p. 129]<br />
FACom. III.E-11-13 [p. 112]; Table 11C. [p. 114]; See also Medical condition<br />
Curtis Consolation................................................FACom. II.B-4 [p. 83]; Fig. 6 [p. 85]<br />
Damping device................................................................See Vibration damping device<br />
Default............................................…………….FACom. II.B-9 [p. 89]; Table 8 [p. 104]<br />
Adult Discipline...............................................................................Table 8 [p. 104]<br />
Announcing....................................................................FACom. VII.C-2.23 [p. 143]<br />
Appeal to Referee ...................................Reg. IV.D.8. [p. 121]; Reg. IV.E.4. [p. 130]<br />
Appeal to Tournament Appeals Committee........................Reg. IV.D.20.b. [p. 122]<br />
Reg. IV.E.3. [p. 130]<br />
Consolation play .....................................Reg. II.B.5.c. [p. 84]; Reg. IV.E.6. [p. 131]<br />
Definition............................................................................................Table 8 [p. 104]<br />
Diversity................................................................................................Part 5 [p. 235]<br />
Effect on ranking....................................Reg. VIII.C. [p. 164]; Reg. IX.C.8. [p. 186]<br />
Ineligible player .........................................................................See Disqualification<br />
Lateness.................................................Reg. IV.D.19-20. [p. 122]; Table 14 [p. 124]<br />
INDEX 285
Officials authorized to default ...............Reg. IV.D.6. [p. 121]; Reg. IV.E.1. [p. 130]<br />
Reversal of default for lateness .........................................Reg. IV.D.20.a-b. [p. 122]<br />
Delays Between Serves.........R 23, Case 1 [p. 14]; USCom. 23.2-3 [p. 15]; C 30 [p. 49]<br />
Deputy Referee............Reg. I.C.4. [p. 54]; Reg. II.B.2. [p. 73]; FACom. II.B-1 [p. 73]<br />
Reg. III.B.12. [p. 103]<br />
Deuce.................................................................................................................R 5a. [p. 6]<br />
Deuce Court..................................................................................................... G [p. 271]<br />
Director of Junior Competition.................Reg. IX.A.7. [p. 168]; Reg. IX.A.9.h.ii [p. 176]<br />
Table 17 [p. 178]<br />
Director, tournament.................................................Reg. I.B. [p. 53]; Reg. I.C.3. [p. 54]<br />
Discrimination ........................................................Reg. I.H.5. [p. 69]; Part 5 II. [p. 238]<br />
Disputes, scoring...........USCom. 5.4-6 [p. 7]; C 32 [p. 49]; FACom. VII.A-1.2 [p. 138]<br />
FACom. VII.D-1.4 [p. 151]<br />
Disqualification ...........….Reg. III.B.3. [p. 101]; Table 8 [p. 104]; Reg IV.E.2. [p. 130]<br />
Distracting Server............................................................................................C 34 [p. 49]<br />
District Associations.....................................................................FACom. I.A-3 [p. 53]<br />
Division................................................................ Reg. I.G.2. [p. 60]; Reg. X.B. [p. 192]<br />
Dizziness ........................................................................................See Medical condition<br />
Domicile.....................................................................................FACom. IX.A-6 [p. 176]<br />
Double Bounce..........................................................R 24b. [p. 15]; C 20-21 [pp. 47-48]<br />
Double Fault.................................................................................................R 24a. [p. 15]<br />
Doubles<br />
Double Hit........................R 24f. [p. 15]; USCom. 24.5 [p. 17]; R 26, Case 1 [p. 18]<br />
C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Ball struck alternately by teams ..........................R 15 [p. 10]; USCom. 15.1 [p. 11]<br />
Court..............................................................................................................R 1 [p. 3]<br />
Fault ..........................................................................................................R 19 [p. 13]<br />
Playing without partner ..............................................................R 15, Case 1 [p. 10]<br />
Position of receiver’s partner.......................................................R 26, Case 5 [p. 18]<br />
Position of server ..................................................R 18 [p. 11]; USCom. 18.1 [p. 12]<br />
Receiving order.....................................................R 15 [p. 10]; USCom. 15.2 [p. 11]<br />
Receiving out of order .......................................R 27e. [p. 20]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Service order .........................................................R 14 [p. 10]; USCom. 14.1 [p. 10]<br />
Service out of turn ..................................R 27c-d. [pp. 19-20]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Tiebreak .....................................................................................................R 5b. [p. 6]<br />
Doubt, benefit of .....................USCom. 12.1 [p. 9]; C Preface [p. 45] & C 6, C 8 [p. 46]<br />
Draw<br />
Adjoining Matches ..................................................................FACom. II.C-5 [p. 94]<br />
Balancing the seeds ....................................................................Reg. II.B.4.a. [p. 74]<br />
Byes...................................................................................Reg. II.B.4.c-e. [pp. 75-78]<br />
Changes in ........................................................................................Reg. II.C. [p. 90]<br />
Collegiate, scholastic ..................................Reg. II.B.8. [p. 90]; Reg. XII.A. [p. 201]<br />
Compass........................................................................................Reg. II.B.7. [p. 89]<br />
Computer (TDM).................................................................................Reg. II.B.1. [p. 73]<br />
Consolation ..................................................................................Reg. II.B.5. [p. 79]<br />
Feed-In Championship ...........................................................Reg. II.B.5.b. [p. 81]<br />
First Match Losers Consolation......... FACom. II.B-2 [p. 77]; Reg. II.B.5. [p. 79]<br />
First Round Losers Consolation .............................................................G [p. 272]<br />
Group seeding..............................................Reg. II.A.3. [p. 71]; Reg. II.A.8. [p. 72]<br />
Late entries ....................................................................................Reg. II.C.3. [p. 95]<br />
Layered Consolation.....................................................................……… G [p. 273]<br />
Main Draw.............................................................................................… G [p. 273]<br />
Making..............................................................................................Reg. II.B. [p. 73]<br />
Non-elimination tournaments ..........................................................… G [p. 274]<br />
286 INDEX
Omitted players.............................................................................Reg. II.C.2. [p. 94]<br />
Public .............................................................................................Reg. II.B.1. [p. 73]<br />
Referee makes .........................................Reg. II.B.2. [p. 73]; FACom. II.B-1 [p. 73]<br />
Round Robin................................................................................Reg. II.B.6. [p. 86]<br />
Seeds..........................................................Reg. II.A. [p. 71]; Reg. II.B.4.a-b. [p. 74]<br />
Separating players ...............................Reg. II.B.4.g. [p. 78]; FACom. II.B-3 [p. 79]<br />
Reg. IX.A.9.l. [p. 177]<br />
Single elimination format .........................................................Reg. II.B.3. [p. 74]<br />
Substitutions................................FACom. II.C-1-3 [pp. 91-92]; Reg. II.C.3. [p. 95]<br />
Terminology........................................................................................Table 8 [p. 104]<br />
Withdrawal of players...................................................................Reg. II.C.1. [p. 90]<br />
Draw Sheet Terminology..........................................................................Table 8 [p. 104]<br />
Dress Code.............................................................................................Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]<br />
Drug Education and Testing Program ....Reg. IV.C.2. [p. 117]; FACom. IV.C-1 [p. 118]<br />
Electronic devices...............................................................................USCom.30.1 [p. 25]<br />
Electronic Review Procedure ............................................................Appendix V. [p. 34]<br />
Eligibility ..................................................................Reg. I.G. [p. 60]; Reg. IV.E.2. [130]<br />
Endorsement ............................................................................................ G [p. 272]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships (Juniors) ............................Reg. IX.A.9.g. [p. 175]<br />
Wheelchair....................Reg. I.G.2.c. [p. 61]; Table 5 [p. 64]; FACom. I.G-2 [p. 66]<br />
Emergency Care Guidelines...............................See <strong>USTA</strong> Emergency Care Guidelines<br />
Ends<br />
Change of ....................................................................................................R 10 [p. 9]<br />
Choice of .......................................................................................................R 9 [p. 8]<br />
Mistakes.............................................................R 27b. [p. 19]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Entries.......................................................................................................Reg. I.H. [p. 67]<br />
Late.................................................................................................Reg. II.C.3. [p. 95]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships .................................Reg. IX.A.9.a. [p. 172]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens......................................................….Reg. IX.A.10.a. [p. 179]<br />
Entry Fee Refund..............................................Reg. I.H.8. [p. 70]; Reg, IX.A.8. [p. 170]<br />
Entry Form.....................................................................Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]; Fig. 3 [p. 68]<br />
Errors<br />
Ball change.........................................................R 27i. [p. 20]; Reg. III.H.1. [p. 116]<br />
Calls...................................................................Appendix V [p. 32]; C 12-13 [p. 47]<br />
No-Ad........................................................................................USCom. 27.10 [p. 22]<br />
Receiving order..................................................R 27e. [p. 20]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Short Sets..................................................................................USCom. 27.11 [p. 22]<br />
Service order...................................................R 27c-d. [p. 19]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Tiebreak ...............R 27 [p. 19]; USCom. 27.2-9 [pp. 21-22]; USCom. 27.12 [p. 23]<br />
Equipment Adjustment .........................................................R 29b. [p. 23]; C 44 [p. 51]<br />
Event..................................................................................................................G [p. 272]<br />
Fact, question of .............................................Appendix V [p. 32]; USCom. V.1 [p. 33]<br />
FACom. VII.C-1 [p. 140]<br />
Family Divisions...........................Reg. I.G.2.b.iv-vi. [p. 61]; Reg. X.A.1.a.iii. [p. 189]<br />
Family National Rankings..................................Reg. X.B.5. [p. 192]; Reg. X.F. [p. 195]<br />
Father-Son National Championship ..........................................Reg. X.A.1.a.iii [p. 189]<br />
Fatigue............................................................................................See Medical condition<br />
Faults..........................................................................................R 18 [p. 11]; R 19 [p. 13]<br />
Ball hitting server’s partner ..................................................................R 19d. [p. 13]<br />
Erroneous ..........................................................................FACom. VII.C-11 [p. 150]<br />
Foot fault......................................R 18 [p. 11]; USCom. 18.1-6 [p. 12]; C 24 [p. 48]<br />
Obvious.....................................................................................................C 28 [p. 48]<br />
INDEX 287
Prompt calls ............................................................USCom. 11.2 [p. 9]; C 18 [p. 47]<br />
Returning without calling..................................................C 15 [p. 47]; C 28 [p. 48]<br />
Serve hitting permanent fixture............................................................R 19c. [p. 13]<br />
Serve hitting singles stick .........................................R 19c. [p. 13] & Case 2 [p. 13]<br />
Server calling ......................................................................C 13 [p. 47]; C 26 [p. 48]<br />
Service after.........................................................................R 20 [p. 13]; C 30 [p. 49]<br />
Swinging, missing toss.........................................................................R 19b. [p. 13]<br />
Feed-In Championship..................................................................Reg. II.B.5.b. [p. 82]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships..................................Reg. IX.A.9.j. [p. 177]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens ....................................................…..Reg. IX.A.10.h. [p. 180]<br />
Feinting............................................................................................................C 34 [p. 49]<br />
Fixture, permanent ........................................................................See Permanent fixture<br />
Following Through Over Net .......................R 24, Case 4 [p. 16]; R 25b. & 25e. [p. 17]<br />
Foot Fault .................................................................R 18 [p. 11]; USCom. 18.1-4 [p. 12]<br />
Baseline ..................................R 18b. [p. 11]; USCom. 18.1 [p. 12] & 18.3-4 [p. 12]<br />
Center line .................................R 18d. [p. 11]; USCom. 18.1 [p. 12] & 18.3 [p. 12]<br />
Premature call of..................................................................FACom. VII.F-4 [p. 156]<br />
Receiver calling.....................................................USCom. 18.6 [p. 13]; C 24 [p. 48]<br />
Sideline.......................................R 18c. [p. 11]; USCom. 18.1 [p. 12] & 18.3 [p. 12]<br />
Walking, running.......R 18a. [p. 11]; USCom. 18.2 [p. 12]; Reg. VII.C.15. [p. 141]<br />
Foreign language outbursts......................................................FACom. IV.D-16 [p. 130]<br />
Gambling ...................................................Reg. IV.C.18. [p. 121]; Reg. VII.G.5. [p. 156]<br />
Game Scoring. .....................................................................................................R 5 [p. 6]<br />
Garman Scheduling System......................Reg. II.D.3.b. [p. 97]; FACom. II.D-1 [p. 99]<br />
Gastrointestinal Problems ................................................................USCom. 29.3 [p. 24]<br />
Glasses ...............................................................................................USCom. 29.7 [p. 24]<br />
Good Return ...........................................R 25 & Cases 1-2 [p. 17]; USCom. 25.3 [p. 18]<br />
Grandfather-Grandson National Championship......................Reg. X.A.1.a.iii. [p. 189]<br />
Grievance...........................................................................................….Reg. V.B. [p. 132]<br />
Group Seeding ..............................................................................................See Seeding<br />
Grunting...............................................................C 36 [p. 49]; FACom. IV.D-15 [p. 130]<br />
Handshake .......................................................................................................C 2 [p. 45]<br />
Hat<br />
Ball hitting..................................................................................USCom. 24.2 [p. 16]<br />
Falling on Court..............................USCom. 24.3 [p. 16]; FACom. VII.C-9 [p. 150]<br />
Touching net ...............................................................................USCom. 24.1 [p. 16]<br />
Health concerns................................................Reg. III.G. [p. 115]; Reg. IX.A.7 [p. 168]<br />
Hindrance.......................................................................................................R 26 [p. 18]<br />
Ball rolling onto court .............................R 23, Case 1 [p. 14]; USCom. 25.1 [p. 18]<br />
FACom. VII.C-8 [p. 150]<br />
By official..............................Appendix V, Case 7 [p. 33]; FACom. VII.C-7 [p. 150]<br />
FACom. VII.C-10-11 [p. 150]; FACom. VII.F-4 [p. 156]<br />
By player........................................................... R 26 [p. 18]; USCom. 26.2-4 [p. 19]<br />
By spectator.............................................USCom. 23.2 [p. 15]; USCom. 26.5 [p. 19]<br />
Cellular phone........................................USCom. 23.2 [p. 15]; USCom. 26.3 [p. 19]<br />
FACom. VII.D-2 [p. 152]<br />
Deliberate..............................................................R 26 [p. 18]; USCom. 26.1 [p. 18]<br />
Discarded second ball ................................................................USCom. 26.4 [p. 19]<br />
Grunting..........................................USCom. 23.2 [p. 15]; FACom. IV.D-15 [p. 130]<br />
Receiver hindered by rebounding ball .....................................USCom. 20.1 [p. 13]<br />
Talking during point ................................................................................C 33 [p. 49]<br />
Illness .............................................................................................See Medical condition<br />
288 INDEX
Inclement Weather..........................................Reg. III.G. [p. 115]; Reg. IX.A.7. [p. 168]<br />
Ineligible Player............................................Reg. III.B.3. [p. 102]; Reg. IV.E.2. [p. 130]<br />
In<strong>com</strong>plete Match ....................................................................FACom. III.B-3 [p. 103]<br />
Injections ..............................................Reg. III.E.4.c. [p. 110]; FACom. III.E-2 [p. 110]<br />
Injuries ...........................................................................................See Medical condition<br />
Injury Caused by a Player...............................................................................C 37 [p. 49]<br />
Instantaneous Calls .................................................................................See Prompt calls<br />
Intravenous infusions ..........................Reg. III.E.4.c. [p. 110]; FACom. III.E-2 [p. 110]<br />
Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Regulations ..............................Part 7 [p. 242]<br />
Interference .................................................................................................See Hindrance<br />
Interruption of Play .................................................R 23 [p. 14]; USCom. 23.1-3 [p. 15]<br />
FACom. VII.C-8 [p. 150]<br />
Intersectionals.........................................................................Reg. IX.A.1.a.iii. [p. 166]<br />
Invasion of Opponent’s Court ...................R 24g. [p. 15] & Case 5 [p. 16]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Invitational tournament..............................................................FACom. I.H-3 [p. 70]<br />
ITF circuit ..............................................................................................Reg. I.A.3. [p. 52]<br />
ITF Junior Tournaments ................................................................Reg. IX.A.13. [p. 181]<br />
ITF Rules of Tennis .......................................................................................Part 1 [p. 2]<br />
ITF Tournaments on National Junior Tournament Schedule....Reg. IX.A.1.d. [p. 167]<br />
ITF Wheelchair Tournaments ...............................................................Reg. XIII.A.1.c. [p. 203]<br />
Jumping the net .........................................................................…….R 24, Case 5 [p. 16]<br />
Junior Division.................................................................................Reg. I.G.2.a. [p. 60]<br />
Junior National Tournament Regulations..........................................Reg. IX.A. [p. 166]<br />
Junior National Tournaments and Rankings .....................................Reg. IX.C. [p. 185]<br />
Junior Team Tennis .................................................................See <strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis<br />
Late Call....................................................USCom. 11.2 [p. 9]; Appendix V, Case 3 [p. 33]<br />
C 18 [p. 47]; C 27 [p. 48]<br />
Lateness<br />
Default.........................................................Reg. IV.D.19-20. [p. 122]; Table 14 [p. 124]<br />
Rest period, after................................Table 14.C. [p. 125]; FACom. IV.D-3 [p. 128]<br />
Start of match ............................FACom. IV.D-1 [p. 125]; Reg. IV.D.19-20. [p. 122]<br />
Table 14 [p. 124]<br />
Law, questions of .......Appendix V [p. 32] & Cases 1 & 2 [p. 33]; USCom. V.1 [p. 33]<br />
Reg. III.B.11. [p. 103]; Reg. IV.D.8. [p. 121]<br />
Layered Consolation ......................................................................................G. [p. 273]<br />
Leagues (Adult and Senior)..................................................................See <strong>USTA</strong> League<br />
Leaving Playing Area<br />
Bleeding Timeout.......................................................................Reg. III.E.6. [p. 111]<br />
During suspended match ..........................................................Reg. III.D.2. [p. 110]<br />
Medical Timeout ........................................................................Reg. III.E.6. [p. 111]<br />
Penalty ..............................................................................................Table 12 [p. 123]<br />
To get official ...................C 40 [p. 50]; Reg. III.E.6. [p. 111]; Reg. IV.C.5. [p. 118]<br />
To get racket...........................................................USCom. 4.2 [p. 6]; R 29b. [p. 23]<br />
To get water...........................................................................FACom. IV.C-2 [p. 118]<br />
Toilet/Change of Attire Break.........................Reg. III.F. [p. 115]; Table 11 [p. 113]<br />
Lets .............................................................................................R 22 [p. 14]; R 23 [p. 14]<br />
After serve put in play..............................................................R 23 & Case 1 [p. 14]<br />
Ball <strong>com</strong>ing on court................................R 23, Case 1 [p. 14]; USCom. 23.3 [p. 15]<br />
C 19 [p. 47]; C 30 [p. 49]; FACom. VII.C-8 [p. 150]<br />
Ball hitting bird in air .................................................................R 26, Case 3 [p. 18]<br />
Broken ball....................................................................R 3 [p. 4]; USCom. 3.1 [p. 5]<br />
Broken string in receiver’s racket ..............................................USCom. 23.2 [p. 15]<br />
INDEX 289
Correcting call from fault to good.............Appendix V, Case 7 [p. 33]; C 12 [p. 47]<br />
FACom. VII.C-7 [p. 150]<br />
Delay between first & second serves..........................................R 23, Case 1 [p. 14]<br />
USCom. 23.1-3 [p. 15]; C 30 [p. 49]<br />
Hindrance, outside ................................................................R 26 & Case 3-4 [p. 18]<br />
Hindrance by official .................................R 26 [p. 18]; Appendix V, Case 7 [p. 33]<br />
Hindrance by player..................................R 26 [p. 18]; USCom. 26.1-4 [pp. 18-19]<br />
Prompt call ...............USCom. 11.2 [p. 9]; Appendix V, Case 3 [p. 33]; C 18 [p. 47]<br />
Receiver hindered by rebounded ball.......................................USCom. 20.1 [p. 13]<br />
USCom. 25.2 [p. 18]<br />
Receiver not ready..............................R 21 [p. 13]; USCom. 21.2-3 [p. 13] & 21.7 [p. 14]<br />
Second service ..........................................................................................R 20 [p. 13]<br />
Service .................................................................................R 22 [p. 14]; C 27 [p. 48]<br />
Soft ball ............................................................R 3, Case 1 [p. 5]; USCom. 3.1 [p. 5]<br />
Spectator interference.............................USCom. 23.2 [p. 15]; USCom. 26.5 [p. 19]<br />
C 17 [p. 47]<br />
Two chance option..............................................................C 18 [p. 47]; C 27 [p. 48]<br />
Who may call .......................................................C 27 [p. 48]; USCom. 23.4. [p. 15]<br />
Lightning .........................................................See Emergency Care Guidelines [p. 230]<br />
Line Umpires...................................................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. VII.F. [p. 153]<br />
FACom. VII.F-1 [pp. 153-155]<br />
Assignment.............................................Reg. VII.B. [p. 139]; Reg. VII.C.3. [p. 140]<br />
Calls line ....................................................................................Reg. VII.F.1. [p. 153]<br />
Certification...................................Reg. VII.N.3.e. [p. 160]; Reg. VII.N.4.a. [p. 160]<br />
Reg. VII.N.4.e. [p. 161]<br />
Code violation ...........................................................................Reg. VII.F.5. [p. 153]<br />
Corrections.................................................................................Reg. VII.F.3. [p. 153]<br />
Foot faults ..................................................................................Reg. VII.F.4. [p. 153]<br />
Procedures and techniques..............................................FACom. VII.F-1-2 [p. 153]<br />
Reassignment .........................................Reg. VII.B. [p. 139]; Reg. VII.C.5. [p. 140]<br />
Removal .................................................Reg. III.B.10. [p. 103]; Reg. VII.B. [p. 139]<br />
Reg. VII.C.5. [p. 140]<br />
Unsighted signal........................................................................Reg. VII.F.2. [p. 153]<br />
Lines Dimensions. ....................................................R 1 [p. 3]; Fig. 1 [p. 41] & 2 [p. 42]<br />
Local Tournaments...........................................................................Reg. X.F.4. [p. 195]<br />
Loss of Physical Condition............................................................See Medical condition<br />
Lucky Loser..................................................................................Reg. II.C.1.a.iv. [p. 91]<br />
Match Format...............................................................Reg. I.E. [p. 57]; Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]<br />
Match Tiebreak............................................ Appendix IV [p. 31]; Reg. I.E.1.b. [p. 58]<br />
Reg. III.G.2. [p. 115]<br />
Medals and prizes .................................................................................Reg. XIV. [p. 210]<br />
Medical Condition .........R 29c. [p. 23]; Reg. III.E.3. [p. 110]; FACom. III.E-3 [p. 111]<br />
Medical Condition—Non-Treatable ......Reg. III.E.4. [p. 110]; FACom. III.E-2 [p. 110]<br />
Medical Timeout......................................Reg. III.E. [p. 110]; FACom. III.E-2 [p. 110]<br />
FACom. III.E-3-16 [pp. 111-112]; Table 11 [p. 113]<br />
Mistakes, clear ...................................................Appendix V [p. 32] & Cases 3-5 [p. 33]<br />
Mistakes, correcting ....................................................R 27 [p. 19]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Appendix V [p. 32] & Cases 3-6 [p. 33]<br />
Mixed Doubles National Championships...............................Reg. X.A.1.b.i-ii. [p. 189]<br />
Monitors .............................................................................................See Court Monitors<br />
Mother-Daughter National Championships .............................Reg. X.A.1.a.iii. [p. 189]<br />
Muscle Pulls, sprains ....................................................................See Medical condition<br />
290 INDEX
National Championship Regulations<br />
Adults .............................................................................................Reg. X.A. [p. 189]<br />
Juniors...........................................................................................Reg. IX.A. [p. 166]<br />
Medals and prizes...........................................................................Reg. XIV. [p. 210]<br />
Sanctioning ...............................................................................Reg. XVII.D. [p. 216]<br />
Seniors ............................................................................................Reg. X.A. [p. 189]<br />
Wheelchair..................................................................................Reg. XIII.A. [p. 203]<br />
National Adult, Senior, and Family Tournament Schedule...........Reg. X.A.1. [p. 189]<br />
Reg. X.A.1.d. [p. 190]<br />
National Championship Selection List...................................Reg. IX.A.9.d. [p. 172]<br />
National Junior Tournament Schedule ...............................Reg. IX.A.1.a-c. [p. 166]<br />
Reg. IX.A.12. [p. 181]<br />
National Ranking Matches ....................Reg X.F.5. [p. 195]; Reg. XIII.B.4.b. [p. 207]<br />
National Ranking Tournaments................Reg. IX.C.3. [p. 185]; Reg. X.F.2. [p. 195]<br />
Reg. X.F.5. [p. 195]; Reg. XIII.B.4.a. [p. 206]<br />
National Standings List.................................................................Reg. IX.A.3. [p. 168]<br />
National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP).....................................Reg. XV.B. [p. 211]<br />
Current NTRP rating (<strong>com</strong>puter rating).....................................................G [p. 271]<br />
Self-rating ....................................................................................................G [p. 276]<br />
National Wheelchair Tournament Schedule..........................Reg. XIII.A.1. [p. 203]<br />
Net<br />
Advertising ...........................................................R 1 [p. 4]; Appendix III.1. [p. 29]<br />
Dimensions ...................................................................................................R 1 [p. 3]<br />
Hitting ball through .................................................................................C 21 [p. 48]<br />
Jumping over...............................................................................R 24, Case 5 [p. 16]<br />
Reaching over ...................................R 24h. [p. 15] & Case 4 [p. 16]; R 25b. [p. 17]<br />
Tautness ..........................................................................................USCom. 1.1 [p. 4]<br />
Touched by racket, player, clothing .............R 24g. [p. 15] & Cases 1-3 [pp. 15-16]<br />
USCom. 24.1 [p. 16]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Net Posts .....................................................................................R 1 [p. 3]; Fig. 1 [p. 41]<br />
Area between singles sticks, post...........USCom. 13.1 [p. 10]; R 19, Case 2 [p. 13]<br />
Ball hit around, below top ....................................................................R 25c. [p. 17]<br />
Ball hit between singles sticks, doubles post......................................R 25d. [p. 17]<br />
USCom. 25.3 [p. 18]<br />
Ball other than serve touching ..........................USCom. 13.3 [p. 10]; R 25c. [p. 17]<br />
Serve touching..................................................R 19c. [p. 13] & R 19, Case 2 [p. 13]<br />
Net Strap .............................................................................................................R1 [p. 3]<br />
Net Umpire .......................................................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. VII.E. [p. 152]<br />
Net Umpire Duties ..................................…Reg. VII.C.17. [p. 141]; Reg. VII.E. [p. 152]<br />
FACom. VII.E-1 [p. 152]<br />
Ball change................................................................................Reg. VII.E.3. [p. 152]<br />
Deliberate double-hits.........................................................Reg. VII.C.17.e. [p. 141]<br />
Invasion of opponent’s court ..............................................Reg. VII.C.17.b. [p. 141]<br />
Lets ............................................................................................Reg. VII.E.1. [p. 152]<br />
Net height..................................................................................Reg. VII.E.4. [p. 152]<br />
Not-ups ................................................................................Reg. VII.C.17.d. [p. 141]<br />
Scorecard ...................................................................................Reg. VII.E.5. [p. 152]<br />
Throughs...............................................................................Reg. VII.C.17.f. [p. 141]<br />
Touches.................................................................................Reg. VII.C.17.a. [p. 141]<br />
Volleying ball before passes net..........................................Reg. VII.C.17.c. [p. 141]<br />
No-Ad Scoring.......USCom. 27.10 [p. 22]; Appendix IV [p. 30]; USCom. IV.2. [p. 30]<br />
Reg. I.E.2. [p. 58]; Reg III.G.1. [p. 115]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships, prohibited................Reg. III.G.1. [p. 115]<br />
Reg. IX.A.6. [p. 168]<br />
INDEX 291
<strong>USTA</strong> Regional Championships, prohibited ...........................Reg. III.G.1. [p. 115]<br />
Reg. IX.A.6. [p. 168]<br />
No Let Rule......................................................................................Appendix IV [p. 31]<br />
Noise Making ................................................USCom. 26.1 [p. 18]; USCom. 26.5 [p. 19]<br />
C 33 [p. 49]; C 36 [p. 49]<br />
Nose Bleeds ....................................................................................See Bleeding Timeout<br />
Not-Up Double Bounce..........................................................R 24b. [p. 15]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
NTRP..................................................................................................................G [p. 274]<br />
Numeric scoring ..............................................USCom. 5.1 [p. 7]; USCom.IV.2. [p. 30]<br />
Officials Training Evaluation...........Reg. VII.I. [p. 157]; Reg. VII.K.4-7. [pp. 157-158]<br />
FACom. VII.K-1. [p. 158]<br />
Official Certification ...........................................................................Reg. VII.L. [p. 158]<br />
On-Site Alternate.......................................................................................See Alternate<br />
One-Armed Server ..........................................................................................R 16 [p. 11]<br />
Order of Receiving.............................................................................See Receiving order<br />
Order of Serving.....................................................................................See Service order<br />
Out Calls<br />
Advice to partner ..................................................USCom. 26.1 [p. 18]; C 33 [p. 49]<br />
Audible or visible.....................................................................................C 15 [p. 47]<br />
Erroneous ...........................Appendix V [p. 32] & Cases 3 & 5 [p. 33]; C 12 [p. 47]<br />
First serve, calls by server or his partner ................................................C 26 [p. 48]<br />
Overrule..........................................................Appendix V [p. 32] & Cases 3 & 5 [p. 33]<br />
Excessive.............................................................................FACom. IV.D-14 [p. 129]<br />
Prompt ...............................................Appendix V, Cases 3 & 6 [p. 33]; C 18 [p. 47]<br />
Oxygen, supplemental...................................................................Reg. III.E.4.c. [p. 110]<br />
Permanent Fixtures ..............................…..R 2 [p. 4]; USCom.11.1. [p. 9]; R 13 [p. 9]<br />
USCom.13.1-2 [p. 10]; R 24d. [p. 15];<br />
Area between singles sticks, doubles posts............................................... R 2 [p. 4]<br />
Back stops .....................................................................................................R 2 [p. 4]<br />
Ball persons in proper place ........................................................................R 2 [p. 4]<br />
Ball touching ..............................R 13 [p. 9]; USCom. 13.1-3 [p. 10]; R 24d. [p. 15]<br />
Chairs around court .......................................R 2 [p. 4]; FACom. VII.C-12 [p. 150]<br />
Defined..........................................................................................................R 2 [p. 4]<br />
Doubles posts............................................................R 2 [p. 4]; USCom. 13.3 [p. 10]<br />
Net .................................................................................................................R 2 [p. 4]<br />
Net posts........................................................................................................R 2 [p. 4]<br />
Officials in proper place .................................R 2 [p. 4]; FACom. VII.C-12 [p. 150]<br />
Pipe support for net................................USCom. 24.7 [p. 17]; USCom. 25.4 [p. 18]<br />
Side stops......................................................................................................R 2 [p. 4]<br />
Singles sticks .....................................R 2 [p. 4]; USCom.13.1 [p. 10]; R 19c. [p. 13]<br />
Spectator stands............................................................................................R 2 [p. 4]<br />
Phones................................................................................................See Cellular phones<br />
Physical Condition, loss of............................................................See Medical condition<br />
Pipe Support for Net<br />
Ball touching...............................................................................USCom. 25.4 [p. 18]<br />
Player touching..................................................R 24g. [p. 15]; USCom. 24.7 [p. 17]<br />
Placing..................................................................................................Reg. II.A.9. [p. 73]<br />
Player Meeting ......................................................................................Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]<br />
Playing Area ....................C 40 [p. 50]; Reg. III.B.4. [p. 102]; FACom. III.B-1 [p. 103]<br />
Reg. III.E.6. [p. 111]; Reg. IV.C.5. [p. 118]; FACom. IV.C-2 [p. 118]<br />
Table 12 [p. 123]<br />
292 INDEX
Points<br />
Played in good faith ...................................................................................C 2 [p. 45]<br />
Player loses point .....................................................................................R 24 [p. 15]<br />
Replay (See also Let)................................................................................R 23 [p. 14]<br />
Scoring.......................................R 5 [p. 6]; USCom. 5.1 [p. 7]; Appendix IV [p. 30]<br />
USCom. IV.2 [p. 31]<br />
Point Penalty System.......Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. IV.D. [p. 121]; Table 12 [p. 123]<br />
See also Code violations<br />
Appeal to Referee .............................Reg. IV.D.8. [p. 121]; FACom. IV.D-7 [p. 128]<br />
Code violations .................Reg. IV.D. [p. 121]; Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Default.........................................................................................Reg. IV.D.7. [p. 121]<br />
Default for failure to arrive on time ........................................Reg. IV.D.20. [p. 122]<br />
Delay ...................................................Reg. IV.D.11. [p. 122]; Reg. IV.D.20. [p. 122]<br />
Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 13 [p. 124]<br />
Doubles team ....................................Reg. IV.D.9. [p. 122]; FACom. IV.D-5 [p. 128]<br />
Foreign language outbursts ...............................................FACom. IV.D-16 [p. 130]<br />
Flagrant violations .....................................................................Reg. IV.D.7. [p. 121]<br />
Guidelines for assessing penalties ..................................................Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Lateness penalties .....................Table 14 [p. 124]; FACom. IV.D-8-9 [pp. 128-129]<br />
Leaving the court ....................................Table 12 [p. 123]; FACom. IV.C-2 [p. 118]<br />
Mandatory in sanctioned events ...............................................Reg. IV.D.1. [p. 121]<br />
Medical Condition .................................Table 11 [p. 113]; FACom. IV.D-4 [p. 128]<br />
FACom. IV.D-6 [p. 128]; FACom. IV.D-10-12 [p. 129]<br />
Officials authorized to penalize .............Reg. IV.D.6. [p. 121]; Reg. IV.E.4. [p. 130]<br />
Other disciplinary action .........................................................Reg. IV.D.17. [p. 122]<br />
Purposes......................................................................................Reg. IV.D.2. [p. 121]<br />
Overrules, excessive...........................................................FACom. IV.D-14 [p. 129]<br />
Treated as if points were played..............................................Reg. IV.D.10. [p. 122]<br />
Time violations.............................................Reg. IV.D.4. [p. 121], Table 13 [p. 124]<br />
Points Per Round ...........................................................................See Ranking System<br />
Post, net ..........................................................................................................See Net post<br />
Postponement of Match by Referee ..............Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. III.B.8. [p. 103]<br />
Reg. III.D.1. [p. 107]<br />
Practice during 10-minute intermission ..........................................Reg. IV.C.6. [p. 118]<br />
Prize Money<br />
Tournaments............................Reg. XVII.C.3. [p. 215]; Reg. XVII.D.4.a-b. [p. 217]<br />
Withholding .............................................Reg. IV.C.1. [p. 117]; Reg. V.A.2. [p. 132]<br />
Pro Set ...................................................................................................Reg. I.E.4. [p. 59]<br />
Professional Circuit.............................................................See Tournament Regulations<br />
Professional Tournaments ............................Reg. I.A.2. [p. 52]; Reg. XVII.A.2. [p. 213]<br />
Reg. XVII.A.12. [p. 214]<br />
Professionals .............Reg. I.G.4. [p. 66]; Reg. IX.A.9.b. [p. 172]; Reg. XVIII. [p. 220]<br />
Prompt Calls...........USCom. 11.2 [p. 9]; Appendix V, Cases 3 & 6 [p. 33]; C 18 [p. 47]<br />
Pulled Muscles..............................................................................See Medical Condition<br />
Qualified Medical Personnel................FACom. III.E-4 [p. 111]; Table 11 B. [p. 113]<br />
Qualifying Tournament or Qualifying Draw..............................................G [p. 275]<br />
Question of fact .........................................................................….See Fact, question of<br />
Question of law .........................................................................….See Law, question of<br />
Questioning Calls ...........................................................................................C 16 [p. 47]<br />
Quick Serving..............................................................USCom. 21.3 [p. 13]; C 29 [p. 48]<br />
QuickStart Tennis Format ...................................Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]; Reg. VI. [p. 134]<br />
Quotas, <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships (Juniors) ..............Reg. IX.A.9.e.iii. [p. 174]<br />
Reg. IX.A.9.f. [p. 175]<br />
INDEX 293
Racket................................................................................R 4 [p. 5]; Appendix II [p. 29]<br />
Abuse .........................Reg. IV.C.17.c. [p. 120]; Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 15 [p. 126]<br />
Broken ..............................................USCom. 4.2 [p. 6]; R 29b. [p. 23]; C 44 [p. 51]<br />
Broken string.....................................................R4, Case 4 [p. 5]; USCom. 4.2 [p. 6]<br />
USCom. 23.2 [p. 15]; R 29b. [p. 23]<br />
Changing shape during point..........................R 24k. [p. 15]; Appendix II.c. [p. 29]<br />
Clashing in doubles ...............................USCom. 15.1 [p. 11]; USCom. 24.6 [p. 17]<br />
Energy source...........................................................................Appendix II.c. [p. 29]<br />
Flying out of hand ......................................USCom. 22.1 [p. 14]; R 24g. & j. [p. 15]<br />
R 24, Case 1, 2, & 6 [pp. 15-16]<br />
Held in hands ........................................................................................R 24g. [p. 15]<br />
Hitting ground in opponent’s court ...................R 24g. [p. 15]; R 24, Case 6 [p. 16]<br />
Illegal..........................................R 4 [p. 5]; USCom. 4.1 [p. 6]; Appendix II [p. 29]<br />
Leaving playing area to get .............USCom. 4.2 [p. 6]; R 29b. [p. 23]; C 44 [p. 51]<br />
One allowed during point ..............................................................R 4, Case 5 [p. 6]<br />
Passing over the net ................................................................See Reaching over net<br />
Server’s racket hitting net .....................R 24g [p. 15]; R 24, Case 1 & 2 [pp. 15-16]<br />
Spare ..................................................................... USCom. 4.2 [p. 6]; R 29b. [p. 23]<br />
Spin.................................................................................................................See Toss<br />
String pattern .................................R 4 & Cases 1 & 2 [p. 5]; Appendix II.a. [p. 29]<br />
Size ...........................................................................................Appendix II.b. [p. 29]<br />
Throwing at ball .........................................................R 24j. [p. 15] & Case 6 [p. 16]<br />
Touching net............................R 24g. [p. 15] & Cases 1-2 [pp. 15-16]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Using more than one during point .................................................R 4, Case 5 [p. 6]<br />
Vibration dampening device .......USCom. 24.4 [p. 17]; Appendix II.a. & c. [p. 29]<br />
Rain Delay......................................................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. III.D.1. [p. 107]<br />
Rankings<br />
Adult, Senior, and Family Rankings..................Reg. X.B. [p.192]; Reg. X.C. [p. 192]<br />
Reg. X.F.-J. [pp. 195-199]; Table 21 [p. 196]; Table 22 [p. 198]<br />
Appeals ........................................................................................Reg. X.H.4. [p. 199]<br />
Calculating Rankings (Adult and Senior)....Reg. X.F.7. [p. 197]; Table 22 [p. 198]<br />
Calculating Rankings (Family).....................Reg. X.F.8. [p. 197]; Table 22 [p. 198]<br />
Committees.....................................................................................Reg. X.H. [p. 198]<br />
Corrections...................................................................................Reg. X.H.4. [p. 199]<br />
Divisions Ranked....................................................................Reg. X.B.2.-4. [p. 192]<br />
Eligibility........................................................................................Reg. X.C. [p. 192]<br />
Minimum Participation Requirements...........................................Table 22 [p. 198]<br />
National Ranking Tournaments ..................Reg. X.F.2. [p.195]; Reg. X.F.6. [p.195]<br />
Points Per Round..........................................Reg. X.F.6. [p.195]; Table 21 [p. 196]<br />
Publishing Rankings.................................Reg. X.H.3. [p. 199]; Reg. X.I.4. [p. 199]<br />
Ranking Period ..........................................................................Reg. VIII.A. [p. 164]<br />
Ranking Review Board ...................................................................Reg. X.I. [p. 199]<br />
Relative Ranking Weights..........................Reg. X.F.6.b. [p. 196]; Table 21 [p. 196]<br />
Treatment of Byes, Withdrawals, Walkover, Disqualifications,<br />
Defaults, and Retirements...................................................Reg. IX.C.6.c. [p. 196]<br />
Adult National Open Rankings .....................Reg. X.B.1. [p. 192]; Reg. X.C. [p. 192]<br />
Reg. X.D. [p. 193]; Table 20 [p. 194]<br />
Categories Ranked.......................................................................Reg. X.B.1. [p. 192]<br />
Corrections...................................................................................Reg. X.D.2. [p. 193]<br />
Eligibility........................................................................................Reg. X.C. [p. 192]<br />
Minimum Participation Requirements...........................................Table 20 [p. 194]<br />
Points Per Round......................................................................Reg. X.D.1. [p. 193]<br />
Ranking Period ...........................................................................Reg. X.D.1. [p. 193]<br />
294 INDEX
Collegiate Rankings.........................................................Reg. XII.C.-D. [pp. 201-202]<br />
District Association Rankings ...................................................Reg. XIII.C.3. [p. 164]<br />
Family National Rankings .....See Ranking Regulations - Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
General Ranking Regulations.................................................Reg. VIII. [pp. 164-165]<br />
Head-to-Head Ranking System.............................................Reg. VIII.C.1. [p. 164]<br />
Junior National Rankings..................................................Reg. IX.C.-F. [pp. 185-188]<br />
Bonus Points .....................................Reg. IX.C.5.ii. [p. 185]; Reg. IX.C.6. [p. 185]<br />
Combined Ranking .................................................................Reg. IX.C.7. [p. 185]<br />
Committees ...................................................................................Reg. IX.D. [p. 187]<br />
Corrections .................................................................................Reg. IX.D.4. [p. 187]<br />
Divisions Ranked.......................................................................Reg. IX.C.1. [p. 185]<br />
Eligibility ....................................................................................Reg. IX.C.2. [p.185]<br />
National Ranking Tournaments .................................................Reg. IX.C.3. [p.185]<br />
Points Per Round..................................Reg. IX.C.5.i. [p.185]; Reg. IX.C.6. [p. 185]<br />
Publishing Rankings.............................Reg. IX.D.3. [p. 187]; Reg. IX.E.4. [p. 188]<br />
Ranking Period ..........................................................................Reg. VIII.A. [p. 164]<br />
Ranking Review Board..................................................................Reg. IX.E. [p.188]<br />
Treatment of Byes, Withdrawals, Walkover, Disqualifications,<br />
Defaults, and Retirements......................................................Reg. IX.C.8. [p. 186]<br />
Points Per Round Ranking System ..................................... Reg. VIII.C.2. [p. 164]<br />
Professional Rankings.........................................................................Reg. XI. [p. 200]<br />
Professional/Adult National Open Rankings...............................Reg. X.B.1. [p. 192]<br />
Reg. X.C. [p. 192]; Reg. X.E. [p. 193]; Table 20 [p. 194]<br />
Categories Ranked.......................................................................Reg. X.B.2. [p. 192]<br />
Corrections...................................................................................Reg. X.E.2. [p. 195]<br />
Eligibility........................................................................................Reg. X.C. [p. 192]<br />
Ranking Period............................................................................Reg. X.E.1. [p. 193]<br />
Sectional Association Rankings................................................Reg. XIII.C.3. [p. 164]<br />
Senior National Rankings ......................................See Ranking Regulations - Adult,<br />
Senior, and Family<br />
Wheelchair National Rankings .........Reg. XII.B.-C. [pp. 206-209]; Table 23 [p. 207]<br />
Table 24 [p. 208]<br />
Committees.................................................................................Reg. XIII.C. [p. 209]<br />
Corrections.............................................................................Reg. XIII.B.10. [p. 209]<br />
Divisions Ranked ....................................................................Reg. XIII.B.1. [p. 206]<br />
Eligibility.................................................................................Reg. XIII.B.2. [p. 206]<br />
Minimum Participation Requirements ....Reg. XIII.b.6. [p. 208]; Table 23 [p. 207]<br />
National Ranking Matches........................Reg. IX.C.4.b. [p.207]; Table 24 [p. 208]<br />
National Ranking Tournaments ................Reg. IX.C.4.a. [p.206]; Table 24 [p. 208]<br />
Publishing Rankings.............................................................Reg. XIII.B.10. [p. 209]<br />
Ranking Period........................................................................Reg. XIII.B.3. [p. 206]<br />
Treatment of Defaults, Withdrawals,<br />
Walkover, and Retirements ...................................................Reg. IX.C.9. [p. 209]<br />
Re-Warm-Up......................................................................................USCom. 29.9 [p. 24]<br />
Reaching Over Net<br />
Before ball passes over net..............................................R 24h. [p. 15]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Follow through ...................................................R 24, Case 4 [p. 16]; R 25e. [p. 17]<br />
To hit ball with backspin......................................................................R 25b. [p. 17]<br />
Ready, receiver ......................R 21 [p. 13]; USCom. 21.1-3 [p. 13]; USCom.21.7 [p. 14]<br />
R 22b. [p. 14]; C 29 [p. 48]<br />
Reasonable Pace ...............................................................................See Continuous play<br />
Receiver<br />
Be<strong>com</strong>es server .........................................................................................R 14 [p. 10]<br />
Calling foot faults .................................................USCom. 18.6 [p. 13]; C 24 [p. 48]<br />
INDEX 295
Calling faults ...........................................................................................C 5-6 [p. 46]<br />
Catches serve that hits net.....................................................................R 22a. [p. 14]<br />
Defined..........................................................................................................R 8 [p. 8]<br />
Hit by serve ........................................R 22a. [p. 14]; R 24i. [p. 15] & Case 7 [p. 16]<br />
Hit by serve that hits net .......................................................................R 22a. [p. 14]<br />
Position ............................................................................................R 8, Case 1 [p. 8]<br />
Play to reasonable pace of server.........................R 21 [p. 13]; USCom. 21.7 [p. 14]<br />
C 29 [p. 48]<br />
Ready .......R 21 [p. 13]; USCom. 21.1-3 [p. 13]; USCom. 21.7 [p. 14]; C 29 [p. 48]<br />
Volleying serve .....................................................R 17 [p. 11]; USCom. 17.1 [p. 11]<br />
Wins point..............................................................................................R 24a. [p. 15]<br />
Receiver’s Partner<br />
Calling faults ............................................................................................C 25 [p. 48]<br />
Catches serve that hits net.................................................................... R 22a. [p. 14]<br />
Hit by serve ........................................ R 22a. [p. 14]; R24i. [p. 15] & Case 7 [p. 16]<br />
Position ....................................................................................... R 26, Case 5 [p. 18]<br />
Receiving Order<br />
Doubles .....................................................................................................R 15 [p. 10]<br />
Error in doubles.................................................R 27e. [p. 20]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Referee .........................................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. I.C.4. [p. 54]; Table 3 [p. 55]<br />
Reg. III.B. [p. 102]; Reg. VII.A. [p. 138]<br />
Appeal to..............Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. III.B.6. [p. 103]; Reg. IV.D.8. [p. 121]<br />
Reg. IV.E.4. [p. 130]<br />
Appoints Deputy Referee...............................................................Reg. I.C.4. [p. 54]<br />
Reg. III.B.12. [p. 103]; FACom. VII.A-2-3 [p. 138]<br />
Assigns, replaces umpires .......................................................Reg. III.B.10. [p. 103]<br />
Authorizes use of special grass court shoes............................Reg. III.B.13. [p. 103]<br />
Ball change pattern .....................................Reg. I.F.3. [p. 60]; Reg. III.B.9. [p. 103]<br />
Bleeding Time-Out ......................................Reg. III.E.2. [p. 110]; Table 11 [p. 113]<br />
Certification ......................................Reg. I.C.4.c-d [p. 57]; Reg. VII.N.1.b. [p. 159]<br />
Reg. VII.N.3.c. [p. 160]; Reg. VII.N.3.g. [p. 160]; Reg. VII.N.4.c. [p. 161]<br />
Reg. VII.N.4.g. [p. 161]; Reg. VII.N.7. [p. 162]; Reg. VII.O. [p. 162]<br />
Changes in the draw ........................................................................Reg. II.C. [p. 90]<br />
Defaults.................................................Reg. III.B.5. [p. 103]; Reg. IV.D.20. [p. 122]<br />
Table 12 [p. 123]; Table 14 [p. 124]<br />
Reg. IV.E.1. & Reg. IV.E.3. [p. 130]<br />
Defaults for lateness.............................Reg. III.B.5. [p. 103]; Reg. IV.D.20. [p. 122]<br />
Table 14 [p. 124]<br />
Deputy ............................................................Reg. I.C.4. [p. 54]; Reg. II.B.2. [p. 73]<br />
FACom. II.B-1 [p. 73]; Reg. III.B.12. [p. 103]; FACom. VII.A-2-3 [p. 138]<br />
Determines who enters playing area ........................................Reg. III.B.4. [p. 102]<br />
Discretion.................................................Reg. I.C.4.b. [p. 57]; Reg. III.B.1. [p. 102]<br />
Disqualifications.....................................Reg. III.B.3. [p. 102]; Reg. IV.E.2. [p. 130]<br />
Draw...............................................................................................Reg. II.B.2. [p. 73]<br />
Field Referee .......................................................................FACom. VII.A-3 [p. 138]<br />
General supervision of all aspects of play ................................Reg. III.B.1. [p. 102]<br />
Infractions in non-umpired matches ........................................Reg. III.B.7. [p. 103]<br />
Medical conditions .........................................Reg. III.E. [p. 110]; Table 11 [p. 113]<br />
Medical Time-Out........................................Reg. III.E.5. [p. 110]; Table 11 [p. 113]<br />
Overrule of on-court officials......................................................Appendix V [p. 32]<br />
Plays in tournament ............................FACom. I.C-2 [p. 57]; FACom. I.G-1 [p. 63]<br />
Reg. III.B.12. [p. 103]<br />
Postpones matches...................................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. III.B.8. [p. 103]<br />
Reg. III.D.1. [p. 107]<br />
296 INDEX
Presence Required..................................Reg. I.C.4.a. [p. 57]; Reg III.B.12. [p. 103]<br />
Procedures...........................................................................FACom. VII.A-1 [p. 138]<br />
Questions of law......................................Appendix V [p. 32] & Cases 1 & 2 [p. 33]<br />
USCom. V.1 [p. 33]; Reg. III.B.11. [p. 103]; Reg. IV.D.8. [p. 121]<br />
Reports violations of tournament regulations ...........................Reg. V.A.3. [p. 132]<br />
Reg. V.B. [p. 132]<br />
Responsibilities ....................................................Reg. I.C.4. [p. 54]; Table 3 [p. 55]<br />
Schedules matches .....................................Reg. II.D. [p. 97]; Reg. III.B.2. [p. 102]<br />
Seeding ..........................................................................................Reg. II.A.1. [p. 71]<br />
Shortens tournament ......................Reg. III.G. [p. 115]; FACom. III.G-1-2 [p. 116]<br />
Substitutions in draw ......................................................................Reg. II.C. [p. 90]<br />
Suspends play.....Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. III.B.8. [p. 103]; Reg. III.D.1. [p. 107]<br />
Tournament Committee member...................................................Reg. I.C.4. [p. 54]<br />
Regional Tournaments.................................................See <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments<br />
Replaying of Point ..................................................................................................See Let<br />
Requesting Official .....................................................C 40 [p. 50]; Reg. IV.C.5. [p. 118]<br />
Residence.......................................................................................................See Domicile<br />
Rest period........................................................................................................G [p. 276]<br />
Between matches..........................Reg. III.C.1. [p. 107]; FACom. III.C-1-5 [p. 107]<br />
Table 9 [p. 108]<br />
Between sets .......................R 29d. [p. 24]; Reg. III.C.2. [p. 107]; Table 10 [p. 109]<br />
Lateness after..............................................Reg. IV.D.19. [p. 122]; Table 14 [p. 125]<br />
Minimum and optimum ........….FACom. II.D-3 [p. 101]; FACom. III.C-1 [p. 107]<br />
Table 9 [p. 108]<br />
No-Ad matches.....................................................................FACom. III.C-3 [p. 107]<br />
Practice during.............................................Table 10 [p. 109]; Reg. III.H.5. [p. 116]<br />
Suspended match .......................................................................USCom. 29.9 [p. 24]<br />
Retirement<br />
Definition............................................................................................Table 8 [p. 104]<br />
Effect on ranking...........................Reg. VIII.C.1.c. [p. 164]; Reg. IX.C.8.h. [p. 187]<br />
Reg. X.D.1. [p. 193]; Reg. X.F.6.c.vi [p. 196]; Reg. XIII.B.9. [p. 209]<br />
Injury caused by a player.........................................................................C 37 [p. 49]<br />
Round Robins.............................................................................Reg. II.B.6.d. [p. 87]<br />
Rotation, service.....................................................................................See Service order<br />
Round Robins ...................................Reg. II.B.6. [p. 86]; FACom. II.B-5-9 [pp. 87-89]<br />
Roving Umpire .....................................Reg. VII.D. [p. 151]; FACom. VII.D-1 [p. 151]<br />
Certification...........................................................................Reg. VII.N.3.d. [p. 160]<br />
Safety Concerns..............................................FACom. I.C-1 [p. 54]; Reg. III.G. [p. 115]<br />
Reg. IX.A.6-7 [p. 168]; Reg. X.A.2.h. [p. 191]; Reg. XIII.A.3.h. [p. 205]<br />
See also Emergency Care Guidelines<br />
Sanctioning Tournaments.......................................Reg. I.B. [p. 53]; Reg. XVII. [p. 213]<br />
Scheduling Matches ...............................................................................Reg. II.D. [p. 97]<br />
Adult Divisions ....................................................................................Table 7 [p. 99]<br />
Adult, Senior, and Family National Championships.........................Table 7 [p. 99]<br />
Reg. II.D.12. [p. 100]; Reg. X.A.2.g. [p. 191]<br />
Canceling matches ..........................Reg. III.G.5. [p. 115]; FACom. III.G-1 [p. 116]<br />
Reg. IX.A.12. [p. 181]<br />
Category I Wheelchair National Championships...............................Table 7 [p. 99]<br />
Reg. II.D.12. [p. 100]; Reg. XIII.A.3.g. [p.205]<br />
Changing the schedule ...............................................................Reg. II.D.7. [p. 100]<br />
Conditions affecting the draw......................................................Reg. II.D.2. [p. 97]<br />
District guidelines .................................................................Reg. II.D.12.b. [p. 101]<br />
Estimating match length...............................................................Reg. II.D.3. [p. 97]<br />
INDEX 297
Factors ..........................................................Reg. II.D.1. [p. 97]; Reg. II.D.5. [p. 99]<br />
Family Divisions ..................................................................................Table 7 [p. 99]<br />
Garman System........................................................................Reg. II.D.3.b. [p. 97]<br />
Guidelines...............................................Reg. II.D.3. [p. 97]; Reg. II.D.12. [p. 100]<br />
Table 6 [p. 98]; Table 7 [p. 99]; FACom. II.D-4 [p. 101]<br />
FACom. III.G-2 [p. 116]<br />
Junior Divisions ...Reg. II.D.12.a. [p. 101]; FACom. II.D-4 [p. 101]; Table 6 [p. 98]<br />
Reg. IX.A.12. [p. 181]<br />
Posting the schedule ...................................................................Reg. II.D.7. [p. 100]<br />
Request for special scheduling.....................Reg. I.H.9. [p. 70]; Reg. II.D.4. [p. 99]<br />
Responsibility for obtaining match times ...................................Reg. II.D.6. [p. 99]<br />
Reg. IV.A.3. [p. 117]<br />
Responsibility for scheduling ...............................Table 3 [p. 55]; Reg. II.D. [p. 97]<br />
Reg. III.B.2. [p. 102]<br />
Sectional guidelines ...............................................................Reg. II.D.12.c. [p. 101]<br />
Senior Divisions...................................................................................Table 7 [p. 99]<br />
Shortening tournaments.................Reg. III.G. [p. 115]; FACom. III.G-1-2 [p. 116]<br />
Reg. IX.A.7. [p. 168]; Reg. X.A.2.h. [p. 191]; Reg. XIII.A.3.h. [p. 205]<br />
Suspended matches..............................................................................Table 7 [p. 99]<br />
Time between matches .......................Reg. II.D.10. [p. 100]; FACom. II.D-3 [p. 101]<br />
FACom. III.C-1-5 [p. 107]; Table 9 [p. 108]<br />
Tournaments on National Junior Tournament Schedule...................Table 6 [p. 98]<br />
FACom. II.D-4 [p. 101]; Reg. IX.A.12. [p. 181]<br />
Wheelchair Divisions...........................................................................Table 7 [p. 99]<br />
Scholastic Tournaments.........................................................................Reg. XII. [p. 201]<br />
Score, scoring<br />
10-and-under <strong>com</strong>petitions .......................................................Appendix VI [p. 35]<br />
Advantage Set ............................................................................................R 6a. [p. 8]<br />
Calling ...........................USCom. 5.3 [p. 7]; C 31 [p. 49]; FACom. IV.D-13 [p. 129]<br />
Reg. VII.C.6. [p. 140]<br />
Collegiate & scholastic tournaments ..........................................Reg. XII.B. [p. 201]<br />
Disputes .................................................................USCom. 5.4-6 [p. 7]; C 32 [p. 49]<br />
FACom. VII.A-1.2 [p. 138]; FACom. VII.D-1.4 [p. 151]<br />
Handshake ..................................................................................................C 2 [p. 45]<br />
Game .............................................................................................................R 5 [p. 6]<br />
Match.............................................................................................................R 7 [p. 8]<br />
Match Tiebreak………… ............................................................Appendix IV [p. 31]<br />
No-Ad .....................Appendix IV [p. 30]; Reg. I.E.2. [p. 58]; Reg. III.G.1. [p. 115]<br />
Reg. IX.A.6. [p. 168]<br />
Numeric......................................................USCom. 5.1 [p. 7]; USCom. IV.2 [p. 30]<br />
Recording Tiebreak .....................................................................Reg. I.E.1.d. [p. 58]<br />
Set..................................................................................................................R 6 [p. 8]<br />
Standard game ..............................................................................................R 5 [p. 6]<br />
Tiebreak game .........................................................R 6b. [p. 8]; Reg. I.E.1.a. [p. 57]<br />
Scorecard Marking .........................................Reg. VII.C.8. [p. 140]; Fig. 11-13 [p. 146]<br />
FACom. VII.C-5 [p. 145]<br />
Sectional Association..........................................................See Tournament Regulations<br />
Sectional Endorser....................................................................Reg. IX.A.9.g.i. [p. 175]<br />
Sectional Officials ...........................................................................Reg. VII.N.3. [p. 160]<br />
Sectional Officials Committee............................................................Reg. VII.J. [p. 157]<br />
Sectional Ranking Tournaments<br />
Juniors....................................................Reg. VIII.D. [p. 164]; Reg. IX.C.4. [p. 185]<br />
Wheelchair...............................................................................Reg. XIII.B.5. [p. 208]<br />
298 INDEX
Seed....................................................................................................................G [p. 276]<br />
Withdrawal of.............................................................................Reg. II.C.1.a. [p. 90]<br />
Omitted from draw ....................................................................Reg. II.C.2.b. [p. 95]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ & Girls’ 18 Interscholastics (East/West) ....................Table 16 [p. 169]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Nationals Championships (juniors) .....................................Table 16 [p. 169]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens (juniors) ......................................................Table 16 [p. 169]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments ..........................................................Table 16 [p. 169]<br />
Seeding .......................................................................Reg. I.C. [p. 53]; Reg. II.A. [p. 71]<br />
All Factors Method ...........................Reg. II.A.4.a. [p. 71]; FACom. II.A-3 [p. 71]<br />
FACom. II.A-6 [p. 72]<br />
Balancing and positioning.......................Reg. II.B.4. [p. 74]; FAC Example [p. 79]<br />
Reg. II.C. [p. 90]<br />
Block Seeding............................................................................Reg. II.A.10. [p. 73]<br />
Computerized List Method ............Reg. II.A.4.b. [p. 72]; FACom. II.A-6 [p. 72]<br />
Criteria for <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships (Juniors),<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens, <strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments and<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastics (East/West) .......Reg. IX.A.4. [p. 168]<br />
Table 16 [p. 169]<br />
Director of Junior Competition .......................................................Table 16 [p. 169]<br />
Errors.......................................................FACom. II.A-4 [p. 72]; Reg. II.C.4. [p. 96]<br />
FACom. II.C-6 [p. 96]; FACom. II.C-7 [p. 97]<br />
Group Seeding .......................................... Reg. II.A.3. [p. 71]; Reg. II.A.8. [p. 72]<br />
Number of seeds.....................................Reg. II.A.2. [p. 71]; FACom. II.A-1 [p. 71]<br />
Placing ...........................................................................................Reg. II.A.9. [p. 73]<br />
Tournament Committee determines ..................Table 2 [p. 54]; Reg. II.A.1. [p. 71]<br />
Self-Rating ........................................................................................................G [p. 276]<br />
Senior Divisions .................................Reg. I.G.2.b.iii. [p. 61]; Reg. X.A.1.a.ii. [p. 189]<br />
Reg. X.B.4. [p. 192]<br />
Senior National Championships ................................................Reg. X.A.1.a.ii. [p. 189]<br />
Senior National Rankings..................................................................Reg. X.B.4. [p. 192]<br />
Serve .................................................................................................................See Service<br />
Server<br />
Be<strong>com</strong>ing receiver ....................................................................................R 14 [p. 10]<br />
Calling score .............................................................USCom. 5.3 [p. 7]; C 31 [p. 49]<br />
Continuous play ..................R 20 [p. 13]; USCom. 21.1-7 [pp. 13-14]; R 29 [p. 23]<br />
Defined..........................................................................................................R 8 [p. 8]<br />
One-armed ................................................................................................R 16 [p. 11]<br />
Out of turn .......................................................................................See Service order<br />
Position in doubles .........................................R 17-18 [p. 11]; USCom. 18.1 [p. 12]<br />
Position in singles .......................... R 17-18 & Case 1 [p. 11]; USCom. 18.1 [p. 12]<br />
Request for third ball ...............................................................................C 23 [p. 48]<br />
Waiting until receiver is ready.............................R 21 [p. 13]; USCom. 21.3 [p. 13]<br />
Warm-up.........................................R 29e. [p. 24]; USCom. 29.9 [p. 24]; C 4 [p. 46]<br />
Server’s Partner, position of...............................................................R 26, Case 5 [p. 18]<br />
Service<br />
After fault..................................................................................................R 20 [p. 13]<br />
Bouncing ball before serving...................................................................C 39 [p. 50]<br />
Catching toss............................................USCom. 18.4 [p. 12]; R 19, Case 1 [p. 13]<br />
Delay between serves ............................................R 20 [p. 13]; R 23, Case 1 [p. 14]<br />
USCom. 23.1-3 [p. 15]; C 30 [p. 49]<br />
Delivery of...........................................................................R 16 [p. 11]; R 17 [p. 11]<br />
Fault ..........................................................................................................R 19 [p. 13]<br />
Foot fault.....R 18 & Cases 1-2 [pp. 11-12]; USCom. 18.1-6 [pp. 12-13]; C 24 [p. 48]<br />
Good..........................................................................................................R 17 [p. 11]<br />
INDEX 299
Hitting net post ......................................................................................R 19c. [p. 13]<br />
Hitting net, strap, or band let................................................................R 22a. [p. 14]<br />
Hitting permanent fixture .....................................................................R 19c. [p. 13]<br />
Hitting receiver or his partner.....................................................R 24, Case 7 [p. 16]<br />
Hitting receiver after hitting net ...........................................................R 22a. [p. 14]<br />
Hitting server’s partner .........................................................................R 19d. [p. 13]<br />
Hitting singles sticks..............................................................R 19c. & Case 2 [p. 13]<br />
Lets ..................................................................................................................See Lets<br />
Missing tossed ball ...............................................................................R 19b. [p. 13]<br />
Out of turn .......................................................................................See Service order<br />
Warm-up .................................................................................................... C 4 [p. 46]<br />
Wheelchair tennis...................................................................................R WC [p. 26]<br />
Wrong court, from..............................................R 27a. [p. 19]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Underhand ..................................................................................USCom. 16.1 [p. 11]<br />
Volleying.....................................................................................USCom. 17.1 [p. 11]<br />
Service Courts....................................................................................................R 1 [p. 3]<br />
Service Let..................................................................................R 22 [p. 14]; C 27 [p. 48]<br />
Service Lines.......................................................R 1 [p. 3]; Fig. 1 [p. 41], Fig. 2 [p. 42]<br />
Service Line Calls ..................................................................C 5 [p. 46]; C 25-26 [p. 48]<br />
Service Order<br />
After set................................................................R 14 [p. 10]; FACom. I.E-1 [p. 59]<br />
After Tiebreak............................................................................................R 5b. [p. 6]<br />
Doubles .............................................R 5b. [p. 6]; R 14 [p. 10]; USCom.14.1 [p. 10]<br />
Error in doubles ........................................R 27c-d. [p. 19-20]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Error in singles......................................... R 27c-d. [p. 19-20]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Error in Tiebreak ...............................................R 27d. [p. 20]; USCom. 27.1 [p. 20]<br />
Singles..................................................................................R 5b. [p. 6]; R 14 [p. 10]<br />
Tiebreak .....................................................................................................R 5b. [p. 6]<br />
Set<br />
Maximum number ...........................................................R 7 [p. 8]; Reg. I.E. [p. 57]<br />
Score ..............................................................................................................R 6 [p. 8]<br />
Set Break .....................................................................................................R 29a. [p. 23]<br />
Shoes ...................................R 29b [p. 23]; Reg. III.B.13. [p. 103]; Reg. IV.C.3. [p. 118]<br />
Short Courts ...............................................Appendix VI [p. 35]; Reg. VI.B.1.a. [p. 134]<br />
FACom. VI.B-2.1 [p. 134]; FACom. XVI.C-1 [p. 212]<br />
Short Sets....................USCom. 27.11 [p. 22]; Appendix IV [p. 31]; Reg. I.E.3. [p. 59]<br />
Shortening Tournaments.......................Reg. III.G. [p. 115]; FACom. III.G-1-2 [p. 115]<br />
Reg. IX.A.7. [p. 168]; Reg. X.A.2.h. [p. 191]<br />
Reg. XIII.A.3.h. [p. 205]<br />
Sidelines<br />
Doubles ..........................................................R 1 [p. 3]; Fig. 1 [p. 41]; Fig. 2 [p. 42]<br />
Singles............................................................R 1 [p. 3]; Fig. 1 [p. 41]; Fig. 2 [p. 42]<br />
Singles Sticks….............................................................R 1 [p. 3]; Reg. III.A.2. [p. 102]<br />
Ball hit around, below...........................................................................R 25c. [p. 17]<br />
Ball hit in area between stick, net post ............USCom. 13.1 [p. 10]; R 25c. [p. 17]<br />
Ball other than service hitting.....................................................R 25, Case 1 [p. 17]<br />
Coming out during point...............................................................USCom. 1.2 [p. 4]<br />
Permanent fixtures .......................................................................................R 2 [p. 4]<br />
Service hitting......................................R 19c. & Case 2 [p. 13]; R 25, Case 1 [p. 17]<br />
Specifications................................................................................................R 1 [p. 3]<br />
Solo Chair Umpire...................................................................FACom. VII.C-4 [p. 145]<br />
Spectator Interference .............USCom. 23.2 [p. 15]; R 26 [p. 18]; USCom. 26.5 [p. 19]<br />
C 17 [p. 47]<br />
Sprains ...........................................................................................See Medical condition<br />
300 INDEX
Stalling .................................................................R 29 [p. 23]; C 39 [p. 50]; C 40 [p. 50]<br />
Standard Game...............................................................................................R 5a. [p. 6]<br />
Standards of Conduct...........................................................................Reg. IV.C. [p. 117]<br />
Standing ............................................................................................................G [p. 277]<br />
String, broken.........................................................R 4, Case 4 [p. 5]; USCom. 4.2 [p. 6]<br />
USCom. 23.2 [p. 15]; R 29b. [p. 23]<br />
Stringing Pattern ..................................R 4 & Cases 1 & 2 [p. 5]; Appendix II.a. [p. 29]<br />
Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> National Tournaments ....................Reg. X.A.1.d. [p. 190]<br />
Surface.........................................Appendix I [p. 28]; Table 2 [p. 53]; Reg. III.A.4. [p. 102]<br />
Reg. III.B.2. [p. 102]<br />
Suspension by Sectional Association...................................................Reg. V.C. [p. 132]<br />
Suspension of Play .............................USCom. 29.3-4 [p. 24]; & USCom. 29.6-7 [p. 24]<br />
Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. III.B.8. [p. 103]; Reg. III.D.1. [p. 107]<br />
Reg. VII.C.10. [p. 140]<br />
Suspension Point System (Juniors).......Reg. IX.B. [p. 182]; FACom. IX.B-1 [p. 182]<br />
Table 19 [p. 183]<br />
Take Two............................................................................................................C 8 [p. 46]<br />
Talking .............................................................................................................C 33 [p. 49]<br />
Telephones .........................................................................................See Cellular phones<br />
Temper, losing ...................................................................................................C 1 [p. 45]<br />
Third ball, giving to server .............................................................................C 23 [p. 48]<br />
Through...............................................R 25a. [p. 17]; USCom. 25.3 [p. 18]; C 21 [p. 48]<br />
Reg. VII.C.17. [p. 141]<br />
Throwing Racket to Hit Ball.............................................R 24j. [p. 15] & Case 6 [p. 16]<br />
Tiebreak ...........................................................................R 5b. [p. 6]; Reg. I.E.1. [p. 57]<br />
7-point..................................R 5b [p. 6]; USCom. IV.3 [p. 31]; Reg. I.E.1.a. [p. 57]<br />
10-point...................................................Appendix IV [p. 31]; Reg. I.E.1.b. [p. 58]<br />
Ball change ..............................................................R 3b. [p. 4]; Reg. I.E.1.e. [p. 58]<br />
Changing ends ..........................USCom. 5.7 [p. 7]; R 10 [p. 9]; USCom. 10.1 [p. 9]<br />
FACom. I.E-3 [p. 59]<br />
Coman Tiebreak Procedure........................USCom. 10.2 [p. 9]; Reg. I.E.1.c. [p. 58]<br />
Described....................................................................R 5b. [p. 6]; Reg. I.E.1. [p. 57]<br />
Errors..........................................................R 27 [p. 19]; USCom. 27.1-9 [pp. 20-22]<br />
In lieu of third set.........Appendix IV [p. 31]; Reg. I.E. [p. 57]; Reg. III.G.2. [p. 115]<br />
Mandatory ....................................................................................Reg. I.E.1.a. [p. 57]<br />
Match Tiebreak .......................................USCom. 5.2 [p. 7]; Appendix IV [p. 31]<br />
USCom.IV.3 [p. 31]; USCom. IV.5 [p. 32]; Reg. III.G.2 [p. 115]<br />
Reg. I.E.1.b. [p. 58]; FACom. I.E-1-4 [p. 59]<br />
Recording score............................................................................Reg. I.E.1.d. [p. 58]<br />
Rotation after .............................................................................................R 5b. [p. 6]<br />
Score ........................................................................R 5b. [p. 6]; Reg. I.E.1.d. [p. 58]<br />
Time allotted to change ends ................................USCom. 5.7 [p. 7]; R 29a. [p. 23]<br />
Tiebreak Game ..............................................................................See Tiebreak, 7-point<br />
Tiebreak Set....................................................................................................R 6b. [p. 8]<br />
Time<br />
Between points ..................................................USCom. 21.4 [p. 14]; R 29a. [p. 23]<br />
Between games on odd game changeover other than<br />
after first game of set..........................................................................R 29a. [p. 23]<br />
Between matches................................................................................Table 9 [p. 108]<br />
Between serves .................R 20 [p. 13]; USCom. 20.1 [p. 13]; USCom. 21.5 [p. 14]<br />
Between sets ................................R 29a. [p. 23] & R 29d. [p. 24]; Table 10 [p. 109]<br />
Medical Timeouts ................R 29c. [p. 23]; Reg. III.E.1. [p. 110]; Table 11 [p. 113]<br />
To get clothing or shoes...............R 29b. [p. 23]; USCom. 29.2 [p. 23]; C 44 [p. 51]<br />
INDEX 301
Violations .........................Table 9 [p. 108]; Reg. IV.D.4. [p. 121]; Table 13 [p. 124]<br />
Warm-up.........................R 29e. [p. 24]; USCom. 29.5 [p. 24]; USCom. 29.9 [p. 24]<br />
C 3 [p. 46]; C 4 [p. 46]<br />
Toilet/Change of Attire Break..............................R 29c. [p. 23]; USCom. 29.3 [p. 24]<br />
Reg. III.F. [p. 115]; FACom. III.F-1 & 2 [p. 115]; Table 11 [p. 113]<br />
Toss<br />
Choice of ends, serve ....................................................................R 9 & Case 1 [p. 8]<br />
Match suspended during warm-up.............................................R 9 & Case 1 [p. 8]<br />
When........................................................................................……USCom. 9.1 [p. 9]<br />
Toss, ball.........................................................................................................See Ball toss<br />
Touches<br />
Ball hitting ceiling ............................R 2 [p. 4]; R 13 [p. 9]; Reg. VII.C.16. [p. 141]<br />
Ball hitting permanent fixture ...................................................................R 13 [p. 9]<br />
Ball hitting player ...........R 19d. [p. 13]; R 22a. [p. 14]; R 24i. [p. 15]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Reg. VII.C.17.a. [p. 141]<br />
Opponent ..................................................................................................C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Player touching net...............R 24g. [p. 15]; C 20 [p. 47]; Reg. VII.C.17.b. [p. 141]<br />
Player touching pipe support ...........................R 24g. [p. 15]; USCom. 24.7 [p. 17]<br />
Racket touching net ................R 24g. [p. 15] & Cases 1-2 [pp. 15-16]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Serve hitting receiver or receiver’s partner ..........................................R 22a. [p. 14]<br />
R 24g. [p. 15] & Case 7 [p. 16]<br />
Serve hitting server’s partner................................................................R 19d. [p. 13]<br />
Tournament Appeals Committee.......................................................Reg. I.D. [p. 57]<br />
Reg. IV.D.20.b-c [pp. 122, 125]; Reg. IV.E.3. [p. 130]<br />
Tournament Area ......................................................................Reg. IV.C.10.b. [p. 119]<br />
Tournament Committee ...........Reg. I.C. [p. 53]; Table 2 [p. 53]; Reg. III.A. [p. 102]<br />
Administrative details.....................................................................Reg. I.C.1 [p. 53]<br />
Appeals............................................................See Tournament Appeals Committee<br />
Chairperson...........................................................................…… Reg. I.C.2. [p. 54]<br />
Determine seeding..............................................Table 2 [p. 54]; Reg. II.A.1. [p. 71]<br />
Determine type of ball ..........................................Reg. I.F.1. [p. 59]; Table 2 [p. 53]<br />
Discretionary power.............................................Reg. I.C.1. [p. 53]; Table 2 [p. 53]<br />
Draw sheet submission.....................................Table 2 [p. 54]; Reg. V.A.1. [p. 132]<br />
Duties....................................................................................................Table 2 [p. 53]<br />
Keep order .......................................................Table 2 [p. 54]; Reg. III.A.1. [p. 102]<br />
Playing In Tournament.............................................................FACom. I.G-1 [p. 63]<br />
Reports on withheld prize money....................Table 2 [p. 54]; Reg. V.A.2. [p. 132]<br />
Sanction ................................................................................................Table 2 [p. 53]<br />
Type of surface ..................................................Table 2 [p. 53]; Reg. III.A.4 [p. 102]<br />
Tournament Data Entry (TDM) ......................................................FACom. I.H-1 [p. 69]<br />
Tournament Director .........................................................................Reg. I.C.3. [p. 54]<br />
Tournament Regulations<br />
Adult, Senior, and Family<br />
National Tournament Regulations ................................................Reg. X.A. [p. 189]<br />
Amateur Circuit..............................................................................Reg. I.A.5. [p. 52]<br />
<strong>AT</strong>P.............................................................Reg. I.A.3. [p. 52]; FACom. I.A-1 [p. 52]<br />
District Association...................................Reg. I.A.5. [p. 52]; FACom. I.A-2 [p. 52]<br />
ITF.......................FACom. I.A-1 [p. 52]; Reg. I.A.3. [p. 52]; FACom. II.C-3 [p. 92]<br />
Reg. IX.A.1.c. [p. 166]; Reg. IX.A.1.d. [p. 167]; Reg. IX.A.5-7. [p. 168]<br />
Junior National Tournament Regulations ...................................Reg. IX.A. [p. 166]<br />
Professional Circuit ........................................................................Reg. I.A.4. [p. 52]<br />
Sectional Association................................Reg. I.A.5. [p. 52]; FACom. I.A-2 [p. 52]<br />
Wheelchair National Tournament Regulations ........................Reg. XIII.A. [p. 203]<br />
WTA Tour........................................................................................Reg. I.A.3. [p. 52]<br />
302 INDEX
Tournament<br />
Amateur........................Reg. I.G.2.d. [p. 61]; Reg. I.G.4. [p. 66]; Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]<br />
FACom. I.H-2 [p. 70]; Reg. XVII.A.2. [p. 213]<br />
Classification..........................................Reg. I.A.2. [p. 52]; Reg. XVII.A.2. [p. 213]<br />
Closed ...................................................................................….FACom. I.H-4 [p. 70]<br />
Collegiate.........................................................................................Reg. XII. [p. 201]<br />
Definition.....................................................................................................G [p. 278]<br />
Invitational ...........................................................................….FACom. I.H-3 [p. 70]<br />
Open..................Reg. I.A.2. [p. 52]; FACom. I.H-4 [p. 70]; Reg. XVII.A.2. [p. 213]<br />
Professional ............................................Reg. I.A.2. [p. 52]; Reg. XVII.A.2. [p. 213]<br />
Scholastic .........................................................................................Reg. XII. [p. 201]<br />
TennisLink............................................................................….FACom. I.H-1 [p. 69]<br />
Title.......................................................Reg. I.H.2. [p. 67]; Reg. XVII.A.12. [p. 214]<br />
Towels, keeping off net...................................................................................C 45 [p. 51]<br />
Two-Chance Option........................................................................................C 18 [p. 47]<br />
Underhand Serve ..............................................................................USCom. 16.1 [p. 11]<br />
Unmistakable Ace.......................Appendix V, Case 7 [p. 33]; FACom. VII.C-7 [p. 150]<br />
Unplayed Match...............................................................................................G [p. 278]<br />
Unsighted<br />
Call by Chair Umpire.............................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. VII.C.9. [p. 140]<br />
Signal.......................................................Appendix V [p. 32]; Reg. VII.F.2. [p. 153]<br />
Non-officiated matches...............................................................................C 8 [p. 46]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 16, 14, and 12 Zone<br />
Team Championships.............................................See <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 16 Intersectional<br />
Team Championships.............................................See <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic Championships (East/West)<br />
...........................................See entry under <strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 National<br />
Team Championships.............................................See <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Emergency Care Guidelines.......FACom. I.C-1 [p. 54]; FACom. III.E-1 [p. 110]<br />
Part 4 [p. 230]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> international <strong>com</strong>petition (Juniors)<br />
Eligibility..........................................Reg. IX.A.2.a. [p. 167]; Reg. IX.A.13. [p. 181]<br />
Puerto Ricans ...........................................................................Reg. IX.A.13. [p. 181]<br />
U.S. Virgin Islanders................................................................Reg. IX.A.13. [p. 181]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> International Tournaments (Juniors) ..........................Reg. IX.A.1.c. [p. 166]<br />
Table 18 [p. 179]; Reg. IX.A.11.b. [p. 181]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Junior National Championships ...................................Reg. IX.A.1.a. [p. 166]<br />
Aliens ...................................................................................Reg. IX.A.2.a.ii. [p. 167]<br />
British Columbians .............................................................Reg. IX.A.2.a.ii. [p. 167]<br />
Eligibility ...................................................................................Reg. IX.A.2. [p. 167]<br />
Entry Fee Refunds ....................................................................Reg. IX.A.8. [p. 170]<br />
Guam .......................................................................................Reg. IX.A.2.b. [p. 167]<br />
Match Formats..................................................................................Table 17 [p. 178]<br />
No-Ad Scoring prohibited.........................................................Reg. IX.A.6. [p. 168]<br />
Puerto Ricans ..........................................................................Reg. IX.A.2.b. [p. 167]<br />
Samoans ..................................................................................Reg. IX.A.2.b. [p. 167]<br />
Scheduling ...............................................................................Reg. IX.A.12. [p. 181]<br />
Seeding.........................................................Reg. IX.A.4. [p. 168]; Table 16 [p. 169]<br />
Shortening..................................................................................Reg. IX.A.7. [p. 168]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 18 Interscholastic<br />
Championships (East/West) ...........................................Reg. IX.A.1.a.iv. [p. 166]<br />
Reg. IX.A.11.a. [p. 181]<br />
INDEX 303
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships ......Reg. IX.A.1.a.i. [p. 167]; Reg. IX.A.9. [p. 172]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens...................Reg. IX.A.1.a.ii. [p. 167]; Reg. IX.A.10. [p. 179]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships..............................................Reg. IX.A.1.a.iii. [p. 166]<br />
Reg. IX.A.11.a. & c. [p. 181]<br />
U.S. Virgin Islanders ..............................................................Reg. IX.A.2.b. [p. 167]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Jr. Team Tennis........................................................................Reg. XVI. [p. 212]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> League.........................................................................................Reg. XV. [p. 211]<br />
Description ...................................................................................Reg. XV.A. [p. 211]<br />
Eligibility......................................................................................Reg. XV.C. [p. 211]<br />
Rating system ...............................................................................Reg. XV.B. [p. 211]<br />
Regulations, authority to adopt...................................................Reg. XV.D. [p. 211]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Membership ...........................................Reg. I.G.1. [p. 60]; Reg. IV.A.1. [p. 117]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships (Adult, Senior, and Family)............Reg. X.A. [p. 189]<br />
Awards..................................................Reg. XIV.A.2. [p. 210]; Reg. XIV.D. [p. 210]<br />
Category I <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships ...............Reg. X.A.1.a. & b. [p. 189]<br />
Reg. X.A.2. [p. 190]<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> National Tournaments..........................Reg. X.A.1.c. [p. 190]<br />
Super Category II <strong>USTA</strong> National Tournaments..............Reg. X.A.1.d. [p. 190]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships (Juniors) ................................ Reg. IX.A.1.a.i. [p. 166]<br />
Reg. IX.A.9. [p. 172]<br />
Alternates...........................................................................Reg. IX.A.9.e.vii. [p. 174]<br />
Awards..................................................Reg. XIV.A.1. [p. 210]; Reg. XIV.D. [p. 210]<br />
Compass Draw.......................................................................Reg. IX.A.9.j.i. [p. 177]<br />
Doubles .........................................Reg. IX.A.9.g.iii. [p. 176]; Reg. IX.A.9.i [p. 176]<br />
Draw formats.......................................................................Reg. IX.A.9.j.-k. [p. 177]<br />
Eligibility ...................................................................................Reg. IX.A.2. [p. 167]<br />
Endorsement............................Reg. IX.A.9.e.iii. [p. 174]; Reg. IX.A.9.f.-g. [p. 175]<br />
Entry.............................................................Reg. IX.A.9.a. [p. 172]; Fig. 14 [p. 171]<br />
Feed-In Championship........................................................Reg. IX.A.9.j.ii. [p. 177]<br />
Match Formats ..........................................Reg. IX.A.9.o. [p. 177]; Table 17 [p. 178]<br />
National Championship tournaments held. .........................Reg. IX.A.1.a.i. [p. 166]<br />
National Championship Selection List .................................Reg. IX.A.9.d. [p. 172]<br />
Reg. IX.A.9.e.i. [p. 173]<br />
National Standings List .............................................................Reg. IX.A.3. [p. 168]<br />
Quotas ..........................................Reg. IX.A.9.e.iii. [p. 174]; Reg. IX.A.9.f. [p. 175]<br />
Professionals ...............................................................……….Reg. IX.A.9.b. [p. 172]<br />
Scheduling ...............................................................................Reg. IX.A.12. [p. 181]<br />
Seeding.........................................................Reg. IX.A.4. [p. 168]; Table 16 [p. 169]<br />
Selection process (singles) .....................................................Reg. IX.A.9.e. [p. 173]<br />
Selection process (doubles) ....................................................Reg. IX.A.9.i. [p. 176]<br />
Shortening..................................................................................Reg. IX.A.7. [p. 168]<br />
Size...........................................................................................Reg. IX.A.9.c. [p. 172]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Open qualifiers (doubles)..........................Reg. IX.A.9.e.i. [p. 176]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Open qualifiers (singles) ..........................Reg. IX.A.9.e.ii. [p. 173]<br />
Wild cards .....................................Reg. IX.A.9.e.v. [p. 174]; Reg. IX.A.9.h. [p. 176]<br />
Withdrawals ......................................................Reg. IX.A.9.e.viii.-ix. [pp. 174-175]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Championships (Wheelchair) ...........................….Reg. XIII.A. [p. 203]<br />
Awards..................................................Reg. XIV.A.3. [p. 210]; Reg. XIV.D. [p. 210]<br />
Category I <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championships<br />
.......................................................Reg. XIII.A.1.a. [p. 203]; Reg. XIII.A.3. [p. 204]<br />
Category II <strong>USTA</strong> Wheelchair National Championships ......Reg. XIII.A.1.b. [p. 203]<br />
National Seeding List ................Reg. XIII.A.2. [p. 203]; FACom. XIII.A-1 [p. 203]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> National Intersectional Team Events (Adult & Senior)......Reg. X.A.1.c. [p. 190]<br />
Reg. X.C. [p. 192]<br />
304 INDEX
<strong>USTA</strong> National Opens (Juniors) .........................................…Reg. IX.A.1.a.ii. [p. 166]<br />
Reg. IX.A.10. [p. 179]<br />
Alternates ..............................................................................Reg. IX.A.10.e. [p. 180]<br />
Draw formats............................................................Reg. IX.A.10.h-i. [pp. 180-181]<br />
Eligibility ...................................................................................Reg. IX.A.2. [p. 167]<br />
Entry .............................................Reg. IX.A.10.a. [p. 179]; Reg. IX.A.10.f. [p. 180]<br />
Feed-In Championship ........................................................Reg. IX.A.10.h. [p. 180]<br />
Match Formats .............................................Reg. IX.A.5. [p. 168]; Table 17 [p. 178]<br />
National Standings List ...................Reg. IX.A.3. [p. 168]; Reg. IX.A.10.d. [p. 179]<br />
No-Ad Scoring prohibited.........................................................Reg. IX.A.6. [p. 168]<br />
Scheduling ...............................................................................Reg. IX.A.12. [p. 181]<br />
Selection Process ..................................................................Reg. IX.A.10.d. [p. 179]<br />
Seeding.........................................................Reg. IX.A.4. [p. 168]; Table 16 [p. 169]<br />
Shortening..................................................................................Reg. IX.A.7. [p. 168]<br />
Size.........................................................................................Reg. IX.A.10.c. [p. 179]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regional Tournaments (Juniors)..................................Reg. IX.A.1.b. [p. 166]<br />
Reg. IX.A.11.a. [p. 181]<br />
Entry Fee Refunds .....................................................................Reg. IX.A.8. [p. 170]<br />
Match Formats .............................................Reg. IX.A.5. [p. 168]; Table 17 [p. 178]<br />
No-Ad Scoring prohibited.........................................................Reg. IX.A.6. [p. 168]<br />
Seeding.........................................................Reg. IX.A.4. [p. 168]; Table 16 [p. 169]<br />
Scheduling ...............................................................................Reg. IX.A.12. [p. 181]<br />
Shortening..................................................................................Reg. IX.A.7. [p. 168]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships (Juniors)................................Reg. IX.A.1.a.iii. [p. 166]<br />
Reg. IX.A.11.a. [p. 181]<br />
Coaching.................................................................................Reg. IX.A.11.c. [p.181]<br />
Eligibility ..................................................................................Reg. IX.A.2. [p. 167]<br />
Entry Fee Refunds .....................................................................Reg. IX.A.8. [p. 170]<br />
Match Formats .............................................Reg. IX.A.5. [p. 168]; Table 17 [p. 178]<br />
No-Ad Scoring prohibited.........................................................Reg. IX.A.6. [p. 168]<br />
Scheduling ...............................................................................Reg. IX.A.12. [p. 181]<br />
Shortening..................................................................................Reg. IX.A.7. [p. 168]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 16, 14, and 12 Zone Team Championships<br />
.........................................................................................Reg. IX.A.1.a.iii. [p. 166]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ and Girls’ 16 Intersectional Team Championships<br />
.........................................................................................Reg. IX.A.1.a.iii. [p. 166]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Boys’ 18 National Team Championships ...............Reg. IX.A.1.a.iii. [p. 166]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Girls’ 18 National Team Championships ...............Reg. IX.A.1.a.iii. [p. 166]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Zone Team Championships ...........................See <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships<br />
Vibration Damping Device ....................................................................R 4, Case 3 [p. 5]<br />
USCom. 24.4 [p. 17]; Appendix II.c. [p. 29]<br />
Volley<br />
Before ball crosses net.....................................................R 24h. [p. 15]; C 20 [p. 47]<br />
Serve.......................................................................................................R 24e. [p. 15]<br />
Standing outside court ................................................................R 24, Case 8 [p. 16]<br />
Vomiting ....................................................................................FACom. III.E-16 [p. 112]<br />
Waiver .................................................................................................Reg. XIX.I. [p. 228]<br />
ITF Rules of Tennis.............................................................FACom. XIX.I-1 [p. 229]<br />
<strong>USTA</strong> Regulations .......................................................................Reg. XIX.I. [p. 228]<br />
Walkover ..................................................................................................Table 8 [p. 104]<br />
Warm-Up<br />
Coaching prohibited ..................................................................Reg. IV.C.9. [p. 118]<br />
INDEX 305
Code violations during ..............................................................Reg. IV.D.1. [p. 121]<br />
How to.........................................................................................................C 3 [p. 46]<br />
Medical Timeout during ..................................................................Table 11 [p. 113]<br />
Not practice .................................................................................................C 3 [p. 46]<br />
Re-warm-up...........................................USCom. 29.9 [p. 24]; Reg. III.H.4. [p. 116]<br />
Serves ......................................................................................................... C 4 [p. 46]<br />
Time ................................................R 29e. [p. 24]; USCom. 29.5 [p. 24]; C 3 [p. 46]<br />
Water, leaving playing area to get ..............................................FACom. IV.C-2 [p. 118]<br />
Weather..........................................................................................See Inclement weather<br />
Wheelchair Divisions.............................Reg. I.G.2.c. [p. 61]; Reg. XIII.A.1.a. [p. 203]<br />
Wheelchair National Championships................................................See <strong>USTA</strong> National<br />
Championships (Wheelchair)<br />
Wheelchair National Rankings ........................................................Reg. XIII.B. [p. 206]<br />
Wheelchair National Tournament Regulations...............................Reg. XIII.A. [p. 203]<br />
Wheelchair Rules of Tennis..........................................................................R WC [p. 26]<br />
Wild Cards, <strong>USTA</strong> National Championships (Juniors)...........Reg. IX.A.9.e.v. [p. 174]<br />
Reg. IX.A.9.h. [p. 176]<br />
Withdrawal from Tournament ..........C 38 [p. 50]; Reg. I.H.8. [p. 70]; Table 8 [p. 104]<br />
Reg. IV.C.12 [p. 119]; Reg. IV.C.15. [p. 119]; FACom. IV.C-3 [p. 120]<br />
Wrong ball played..............................................................................R 25, Case 2 [p. 18]<br />
WTA Tour...............................................................................................Reg. I.A.3. [p. 52]<br />
Zonals............................................................................See <strong>USTA</strong> Team Championships<br />
306 INDEX
The Official’s Code of Conduct<br />
A <strong>USTA</strong> official is expected to maintain high professional standards. Violations<br />
of this code may result in decertification or suspension of <strong>USTA</strong>, directed assignments.<br />
An official shall:<br />
1. Wear the official <strong>USTA</strong> uniform at <strong>USTA</strong> sanctioned events, or as otherwise<br />
designated by the <strong>USTA</strong>.<br />
2. Be prompt for all assignments.<br />
3. Not socialize with or be<strong>com</strong>e intimate with the players. (Officials are not<br />
prohibited from staying in the tournament hotel or from attending social<br />
functions where players may be present.)<br />
4. Not accept assignments for any match that may cast doubt upon the official’s<br />
impartiality. Not only is a bona fide conflict of interest prohibited, but the<br />
appearance of a conflict makes the assignment unacceptable.<br />
5. Not solicit specific assignments in tournaments.<br />
6. Not accept an assignment and then withdraw from that assignment in favor<br />
of another unless released.<br />
7. Not be interviewed by the media without permission of the Referee or<br />
the Referee’s designee.<br />
8. Not publicly criticize other officials.<br />
9. Not participate in, including aiding and abetting whether directly or indirectly,<br />
any form of gambling or betting on tennis.<br />
10. Not converse with spectators while on the court.<br />
11. Not request favors or special considerations from a tournament sponsor.<br />
12. Not use title or position to abuse the rules or influence others to do so.<br />
13. Not consume alcoholic beverages or take drugs or medication that will inhibit<br />
performance during an assignment or while in uniform.<br />
14. Cooperate with the efforts of officials <strong>com</strong>mittees appointed by the<br />
National Chairperson.<br />
15. While in uniform not take photographs of players nor at any time request<br />
player autographs.<br />
16. Conduct himself or herself in a professional, ethical manner.
<strong>FRIEND</strong> <strong>AT</strong> <strong>COURT</strong> <strong>2010</strong><br />
THE <strong>USTA</strong> HANDBOOK for TENNIS OFFICIALS,<br />
TOURNAMENT ADMINISTR<strong>AT</strong>ORS, and PLAYERS<br />
Addressing just about every possible situation that can arise on<br />
a tennis court, <strong>FRIEND</strong> at <strong>COURT</strong> includes:<br />
• THE OFFICIAL <strong>2010</strong> ITF RULES of TENNIS<br />
• THE CODE: THE PLAYERS’ GUIDE for UNOFFICI<strong>AT</strong>ED<br />
M<strong>AT</strong>CHES<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> TOURNAMENT REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
• <strong>USTA</strong> OFFICI<strong>AT</strong>ING REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS<br />
• THE INTERCOLLEGI<strong>AT</strong>E TENNIS ASSOCI<strong>AT</strong>ION RULES,<br />
REGUL<strong>AT</strong>IONS, and TOURNAMENT PROCEDURES<br />
70 West Red Oak Lane<br />
White Plains, NY 10604-3602<br />
<strong>USTA</strong>.<strong>com</strong>